The FCC is continuing its housekeeping efforts with proposed updates to certain radio and TV rules.
The commission published its Notice for Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register on Monday. As a result, comments may be filed through April 23, with reply comments due by May 8.
As Radio World reported in December, the commission said these efforts are intended to “better reflect current application processing requirements, codify existing practices and remove references to outdated procedures and legacy filing systems.”
The move signals that Chairman Brendan Carr is advancing this set of proposals, which were initially introduced under former Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. In December, all five FCC commissioners voted to open the NPRM.
This comment period is separate from the FCC’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative, which we’ve also reported on. That initiative seeks public input aimed at “alleviating unnecessary regulatory burdens.”
AM, LPFM, NCE FM filing adjustments
Radio World reviewed the 47-page document in December for radio-related implications. The NPRM includes the following rule proposals:
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Elimination of AM 20% Power Increase Requirement: AM stations will no longer need to propose a minimum 20% increase in power for facility upgrades.
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Updated Language for AM Class D Operations: Procedures for authorizing certain AM Class D daytime-only stations to operate unlimited-time will be clarified. Some language was not updated when these stations were reclassified in 1991.
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Codify “Authorized” Station Definition in LPFM Rules: LPFM applicants must protect both licensed stations and those with granted construction permits.
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Clarify Application Protection Timing for LPFM Filings: LPFM applicants must protect prior-filed applications until the FCC releases a Public Notice outlining procedures for the new window.
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Remove 90-Day Limit on Certain STAs: The 90-day limit on STAs due to technical or equipment issues will be extended to 180 days, which the commission said will reduce the burden on broadcasters that experience equipment delays.
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Elimination of NCE FM 2021 Application Cap: The temporary 10-application cap from the 2021 NCE FM window will be removed once pending applications are resolved.
Filing adjustments
Broadcasters may want to be aware of additional proposed revisions, which include:
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Transition from CDBS to LMS: The FCC proposes replacing all references to the legacy CDBS filing system with LMS. LMS is now mandatory for all radio station applications.
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Eliminate Obsolete Application Terms Like “Tendered”: Terms from the paper-filing era will be replaced with “filed,” to match current electronic processes and prevent confusion for radio station applicants.
Comments may be filed electronically through the ECFS.
(View the FCC’s NPRM on Parts 1, 73, 74, and 76 of its rules.)
