FCC Proposes Rules to Clarify Foreign Ownership Regulations

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, April 28, 2025

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today proposed new rules to codify foreign ownership requirements and streamline its review processes for broadcast and common carrier licensees. The move is aimed at providing greater clarity for companies navigating increasingly complex ownership structures and mitigating potential national security concerns.

Over the past decade, the FCC has developed practices to address foreign investment complexities, but these approaches were never formally incorporated into its rules. According to the Commission, the lack of clear definitions has made it harder for entities to understand and comply with requirements, increasing the risk of inconsistent outcomes and raising costs unnecessarily.

Monday's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 25-26), adopted unanimously by Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioners Geoffrey Starks, Nathan Simington, and Anna Gomez, seeks to address these challenges by proposing and seeking comment on several key measures, including:

• Codifying the practice regarding the designation of a controlling U.S. parent

• Clarifying advance approval rules for certain deemed voting interests

• Requiring the identification of trusts and trustees

• Extending foreign ownership determination and remedial processes to privately held companies

• Clarifying U.S. residency requirements and

• Codifying requirements for the contents of remedial petitions

The FCC emphasized that while it supports robust foreign investment-which can promote innovation, job creation, and economic growth-it must also protect against risks posed by investments from foreign adversary countries. Clearer rules, the Commission noted, are essential to balancing these interests.

The Commission will also accept public comment on related topics, including ways to alleviate regulatory burdens, the filing of amendments, the processing of broadcast applications during remedial proceedings, and additional considerations for noncommercial educational and low-power FM stations.