The FCC extended the deadline for commercial broadcasters to file biennial ownership reports to Dec. 20.
Commercial, full-power AM, FM, TV, LPTV, and Class A stations, and entities with attributable interests in these assets, must file FCC Form 323.
Garvey Schubert Barer asked the agency for the delay because of the unavailability of the commission’s electronic database during the government shutdown, and NAB supported the request, noting that some members were having “technical difficulties” using the commission’s Consolidated Database System.
In a decision signed by Media Bureau Chief Bill Lake, the commission encouraged filers to submit ownership reports as early as possible and to complete their Form 323 filings well in advance of the extended deadline.
The biennial ownership report requires filers to provide their ownership information as it existed on Oct. 1; owners usually have 60 days after that date to prepare and file the report. With the extension, the commission is trying to maintain that 60-day period.
According to communications law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, the extension doesn’t affect noncommercial owners, who would still need to turn in their ownership reports by the Dec. 2 deadline.
