FCC Updates Radio Rules, Streamlines Processes

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 2:50pm CT

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The Federal Communications Commission has adopted a sweeping update to its broadcast rules, making a series of changes that primarily streamline radio regulation, modernize filing procedures, and eliminate outdated requirements.

The Report and Order, released March 25, updates Parts 1, 73, 74 and 76 of the Commission's rules to reflect current practices, reduce administrative burdens, and improve clarity for broadcasters.

Shift to LMS Filing System
A key change replaces all remaining references to the legacy Consolidated Database System (CDBS) with the FCC's Licensing and Management System (LMS), which is now the required platform for filing and accessing broadcast applications. The Commission also updated form names to match LMS conventions.

AM Rule Changes Increase Flexibility
The FCC eliminated the longstanding requirement that AM stations must seek at least a 20% power increase when modifying facilities. The change gives AM broadcasters more flexibility to make incremental improvements and align coverage with community needs.

Removal of Outdated Rules
Several obsolete provisions were scrapped, including:

• The 2021 cap limiting noncommercial FM applicants to 10 filings, to be removed once remaining applications are resolved.
• Legacy references tied to paper filing and outdated processing terminology.
• Obsolete TV-related rules tied to the completed incentive auction (with indirect benefits for regulatory consistency across services).

Expanded Signing Authority for Applications
The FCC broadened who can sign broadcast applications. In addition to officers and directors, a "duly authorized employee" - broadly defined to include certain staff or volunteers under an organization's control - may now sign filings.

Longer Special Temporary Authority Periods
Stations facing technical or equipment issues can now receive Special Temporary Authority (STA) for up to 180 days, replacing the previous 90-day limitation and reducing the need for repeated filings.

Clarifications for LPFM and Application Processing
The order codifies several interpretations affecting low power FM (LPFM) and application procedures, including:

Defining "authorized" stations to include both licensed facilities and construction permits for spacing protections. Clarifying protections for prior-filed applications in LPFM filing windows.

The Commission declined to adopt some proposals, including changes to LPFM minor modification processing rules, indicating those issues may be addressed in a future proceeding.

Overall, the FCC said the updates are part of an ongoing effort to modernize broadcast regulation, eliminate unnecessary requirements, and better align the rules with current technology and industry practices.