FCC & Policy Briefing Friday, November 13, 2026

FCC & Policy Briefing

Friday, November 13, 2026

FCC LMS Public Data — Update Required

The FCC LMS downloadable public-data files were last reported to contain records dated November 3, 2026, making that dataset ten calendar days old today. I have not independently confirmed whether the files have since been refreshed.

Stale public data can produce erroneous allocation, spacing, interference and application-preparation studies across AM, FM, TV, LPTV, LPFM and translator services. The prolonged disruption raises legitimate questions about contractor performance, system resilience and FCC oversight. An examination by the FCC Office of Inspector General may be warranted, although there is no verified evidence establishing procurement or contract fraud.

Engineering advisory: Check the latest public-data timestamps before using bulk LMS downloads, and verify critical facility and application records individually.

1. NCE FM Translator Window — November 23 Deadline

The Media Bureau's November 6 notice extended the reserved-band NCE FM translator filing window to Monday, November 23, at 6:00 p.m. EST, following LMS technical difficulties. The extension also affects the comparative snapshot date and associated filing freeze. Applicants should distinguish successful LMS submission from merely saving an application in progress.

Why it matters: Stale engineering databases and recent LMS instability create additional risk during an already compressed filing period.

Action: November 23, 6:00 p.m. EST. Complete Schedule 349 applications, verify technical showings and retain submission confirmations.

2. LPFM, FM Translator and FM Booster Freeze Continues

The minor-modification filing freeze associated with the NCE translator window remains in effect through its extended closing date. The freeze applies to affected LPFM, FM translator and FM booster applications in both reserved and nonreserved FM bands. It does not prohibit every type of broadcast application.

Why it matters: Projects involving transmitter relocations, antenna changes and other minor modifications may be delayed, affecting construction schedules and client commitments.

Action: November 23 — scheduled freeze expiration. Prepare affected applications for filing afterward, subject to further Media Bureau instructions.

3. Nationwide EAS Test — Final Preparations

The nationwide Emergency Alert System test is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at 2:20 p.m. Eastern, with December 3 designated as the alternate date. FEMA plans to originate the test through IPAWS using Common Alerting Protocol messages. Participating stations should be prepared to document reception, retransmission and any equipment failures.

Why it matters: The test provides a practical check of EAS monitoring assignments, CAP connectivity, equipment configuration and national alert-processing capability.

Action: November 17 — test. Assuming the test proceeds as scheduled, complete ETRS Form Two by November 19 and Form Three by January 4, 2027.

4. Broadcast Station Rule Updates — Review Revised Part 73 and Part 74 Procedures

The FCC's Broadcast Station Rule Updates proceeding, MB Docket 24-626, GN Docket 25-133, FCC 26-14, addresses outdated filing-system references, application procedures and regulatory language across broadcast services. The adopted changes are primarily procedural and clarifying rather than a general relaxation of technical interference protections.

Why it matters: Engineering consultants and attorneys should ensure application templates and filing checklists reflect current LMS procedures instead of superseded legacy systems.

Action: Review affected provisions of Parts 1, 73, 74 and 76. Confirm the applicable effective date before relying on amended rule text.

5. St. George, Utah — DTV Channel *18 Allotment Effective

The FCC's amendment to the Digital Television Table of Allotments for St. George, Utah, became effective November 12, 2026, under MB Docket 26-195, RM-12023. The revised allotment includes reserved noncommercial Channel *18 alongside Channel 9. This is an adopted rule change, not merely a proposed channel substitution.

Why it matters: Television allocation studies and channel-availability evaluations involving southwestern Utah should incorporate the revised Table of Allotments.

Action: Effective November 12. Update applicable television allotment databases and verify the current rule table before preparing affected studies.

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FCC & Policy Briefing Thursday, November 12, 2026

 

FCC & Policy Briefing

Thursday, November 12, 2026

FCC LMS PUBLIC DATA — NINE DAYS STALE

As of this morning, the FCC LMS downloadable public-data files used by broadcast engineers and communications attorneys still reportedly show November 3, 2026, as the most recent data date. That makes the files nine days stale during an active NCE FM translator filing window.

This can materially affect allocation, spacing, interference and application-preparation studies across AM, FM, TV, LPTV, LPFM and translator services. Until the files are refreshed, engineering studies based on bulk LMS downloads should be regarded as provisional and critical facilities/applications checked individually in LMS.

The duration and industry impact now raise legitimate questions about LMS contractor performance, system resilience and FCC oversight. An FCC Office of Inspector General review of contract performance, procurement administration and contractor accountability may be warranted; there is presently no verified evidence establishing procurement or contract fraud.

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1. NCE FM Translator Window Remains Open Through November 23

The Media Bureau extended the reserved-band NCE FM translator window to November 23 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern after LMS technical failures interfered with application preparation and submission. The associated LPFM/FM translator/FM booster minor-change freeze and comparative snapshot date were extended to the same date. Vermont Association of Broadcasters

Why it matters: The extra filing time is useful, but stale LMS bulk data create a separate engineering risk that the filing extension itself does not cure.

Action: November 23, 6:00 p.m. ET — hard deadline. Independently verify critical facilities and pending applications before certifying technical showings.

2. Nationwide EAS Test Is Tuesday — Final Engineering Check

The nationwide EAS test is scheduled for November 17 at approximately 2:20 p.m. Eastern, using FEMA's IPAWS infrastructure; December 3 remains the backup date. FCC guidance specifically reminds broadcasters to update EAS firmware/software, verify monitoring assignments and ensure equipment recognizes the NPT event code and national location code. Vermont Association of Broadcasters

Why it matters: Configuration or monitoring errors that remain unnoticed during routine weekly/monthly tests can surface during the nationwide test.

Action: Before Tuesday, verify CAP connectivity, monitoring sources, NPT processing, firmware and accessibility functions. Complete applicable post-test ETRS reporting afterward.

3. St. George DTV Channel Substitution Becomes Effective Today

A final FCC rule becomes effective today, November 12, changing the St. George, Utah, television allotment to include *Channel 18. The action in MB Docket 26-195 / RM-12023, DA 26-1188 follows the Bureau's engineering review and adoption of the channel substitution on November 3. GovInfo

Why it matters: The change is now part of the controlling Table of TV Allotments and should be reflected in current television allocation and interference studies.

Action: Effective today. Update TV allotment reference data used for engineering work involving St. George and surrounding markets.

4. National TV Ownership Cap Repeal Published — January 11 Effective Date

Today's Federal Register confirms that the FCC's repeal of the 39% national television audience-reach cap will become effective January 11, 2027. Transactions exceeding the former cap will instead receive case-by-case review under the Commission's localism, competition and viewpoint-diversity criteria. GovInfo

Why it matters: This is a major change in television ownership policy and could enable substantially larger station-group transactions. Local ownership restrictions and transaction-review requirements remain separate constraints.

Action: January 11, 2027 — scheduled effective date. Watch for litigation or stay requests before relying on the repeal in transaction planning.

5. Incoming Congress Signals Aggressive Oversight of FCC Chairman Carr

Following the midterm elections, lawmakers expected to hold committee authority in the next Congress are signaling increased scrutiny of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, including potential hearings and subpoenas concerning broadcast investigations, media policy and other Commission actions. Separately, Reporters Without Borders has publicly called for Carr's impeachment; that advocacy does not itself initiate any congressional removal proceeding. mediagazer.com

Why it matters: Enhanced congressional oversight could affect the pace and political environment surrounding broadcast ownership, enforcement, E-Rate and media-regulation proceedings beginning in January.

Action: No immediate broadcaster filing obligation. Watch committee organization and formal oversight announcements when the new Congress convenes January 3, 2027.

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FCC & Policy Briefing Tuesday, November 10, 2026

FCC & Policy Briefing

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

FCC LMS PUBLIC DATA CRISIS — INDUSTRY-WIDE ENGINEERING CONCERNS

To the shock and horror of nearly no one in the private sector, the FCC's Licensing and Management System (LMS) public data files remain out of date, with the latest available information reportedly nearly a week old as of this morning.

These files are essential to broadcast engineers and attorneys preparing applications across the Commission's Mass Media services. Outdated records can produce incorrect allocation, spacing, interference and coverage studies, potentially affecting AM, FM, TV, LPTV, LPFM and translator applications.

Last week's LMS failure was sufficiently serious that the Media Bureau extended the NCE FM translator filing window. The continuing public-data problem raises broader questions about system reliability, data integrity and the adequacy of contractor oversight.

Perhaps it is time for the FCC Office of Inspector General (OIG) to examine LMS contract performance, procurement practices, contractor accountability and system resilience. Such an inquiry could determine whether contractual obligations are being met and whether taxpayers and regulated entities are receiving the services for which they are paying. There is presently no verified evidence establishing procurement or contract fraud.

Engineering Advisory: Until current public data files become available, engineers should regard studies based on downloaded LMS databases as provisional and independently verify critical facility and application records before certifying technical showings.

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1. FCC Extends NCE FM Translator Window Following LMS Failure

The Media Bureau's November 6 Public Notice, DA 26-1201, MB Docket 26-20, extends the filing deadline for new reserved-band NCE FM translator construction permits to November 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. EST. The Bureau acknowledged that LMS technical difficulties delayed or prevented applicants from submitting Schedule 349 applications. The extension also moves the comparative snapshot date to November 23.

Why it matters: The filing extension provides relief from LMS submission problems but does not resolve concerns about outdated public engineering databases. Applicants preparing technical studies may still be working with incomplete facility information.

Action: November 23, 6:00 p.m. EST — final filing deadline. Recheck engineering studies against the latest available records and retain submission confirmations. The Bureau has indicated that the revised deadline will be strictly enforced.

2. LPFM, FM Translator and FM Booster Filing Freeze Extended

The Media Bureau has extended its existing freeze on minor-modification applications for LPFM stations, FM translators and FM boosters through the revised November 23 NCE translator filing deadline. The freeze applies to affected facilities in both the reserved and nonreserved FM bands and is intended to preserve a stable technical environment during the filing window.

Why it matters: Projects involving transmitter relocations, antenna modifications and other minor facility changes must remain on hold where the freeze applies. The continuing LMS public-data problem further complicates engineering studies for facilities affected by the freeze.

Action: November 23 — revised freeze expiration. Continue preparing technical exhibits, but do not submit affected minor-modification applications until the freeze expires or the FCC provides further guidance.

3. Nationwide EAS Test Scheduled for November 17

The FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has confirmed the nationwide Emergency Alert System test for Tuesday, November 17, at 2:20 p.m. Eastern, with December 3 designated as the alternate date. Under DA 26-989, PS Dockets 15-91 and 15-94, FEMA will originate the test through IPAWS using Common Alerting Protocol messages in English and Spanish. Participating broadcast stations must comply with applicable testing and reporting requirements.

Why it matters: The test will evaluate stations' ability to receive, decode and retransmit nationwide emergency alerts. Engineers should verify CAP connectivity, monitoring assignments, equipment configuration and station operating procedures.

Action: November 17 — nationwide test. Assuming the test proceeds as scheduled, ETRS Form Two is due November 19 at 2:20 p.m. EST, and Form Three is due January 4, 2027.

4. Upper C-Band Transition Enters Public Review Period

The FCC's Upper C-band transition proceeding reached its November 5 deadline for initial satellite-operator transition plans. The proceeding addresses clearing additional portions of the 4 GHz satellite spectrum for terrestrial wireless operations while providing mechanisms to relocate eligible incumbent services. The submitted plans are expected to identify technical modifications, implementation schedules and estimated relocation expenses.

Why it matters: Broadcasters receiving satellite-delivered programming through affected C-band earth stations may require equipment modifications, frequency changes or alternative program-delivery arrangements. Documentation of existing facilities will be important in evaluating relocation requirements and potential reimbursement.

Action: November 30 — scheduled deadline for comments on transition plans. Review relevant filings and inventory affected receive facilities before committing to equipment changes.

5. FCC Broadcast Employment Reporting Rule Eliminated — Other EEO Requirements Remain

The FCC has formally removed the broadcast employment-reporting provisions associated with Form 395-B following the Fifth Circuit's 2025 decision vacating the Commission's attempt to reinstate the reporting requirement. The rule changes became effective November 3, 2026. The action does not eliminate other applicable broadcast equal employment opportunity requirements.

Why it matters: Broadcasters no longer face the Form 395-B workforce demographic reporting obligation, but EEO recruitment, recordkeeping, public-file and audit requirements remain separate compliance responsibilities. Stations should not interpret the elimination of Form 395-B as a general exemption from broadcast EEO regulations.

Action: Effective November 3. Remove Form 395-B from compliance checklists while maintaining other applicable EEO procedures and documentation.

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FCC & Policy Briefing Monday, November 9, 2026

 

FCC & Policy Briefing

Monday, November 9, 2026

FCC LMS DATA CAUTION: As of this morning, the FCC LMS public data files are approximately one week out of date. Until the Commission refreshes those files, allocation, spacing, interference and other engineering studies relying on downloaded LMS data may not reflect recently filed or acted-upon applications. This creates a risk of erroneous results across FCC Mass Media services, so studies should be treated as provisional and checked against current individual LMS records wherever practical.

1. NCE FM Translator Window Extended to November 23

The Media Bureau has extended the reserved-band NCE FM translator filing window to November 23 at 6:00 p.m. EST following LMS filing difficulties. The extension also moves the comparative snapshot date and keeps the associated LPFM/FM translator/FM booster filing freeze in place through the revised closing date.

Why it matters: Applicants have additional time to complete applications, but the stale LMS public-data files complicate engineering work during the same period. Studies based solely on downloaded FCC datasets may miss recent facilities or applications.

Action: November 23, 6:00 p.m. EST — revised deadline. Recheck critical technical results against current LMS records before certification and avoid waiting until the final day to file.

2. Nationwide EAS Test Is Eight Days Away

FEMA and the FCC will conduct the nationwide Emergency Alert System test on November 17 at 2:20 p.m. Eastern through IPAWS using the NPT event code. The test will be distributed as a CAP message in English and Spanish; December 3 remains the backup date. FCC Docs

Why it matters: Stations should now be in final operational-check mode: EAS monitoring assignments, IPAWS connectivity, firmware, clocks and retransmission paths should all be verified before the test.

Action: November 17 — nationwide test. Assuming the test proceeds, complete ETRS Form Two by November 19 and Form Three by January 4, 2027.

3. Upper C-Band Transition Moves to Public Review

The FCC-required Upper C-band transition plans were due November 5 from eligible satellite operators. The transition will clear fixed-satellite operations from 4.0–4.16 GHz, with affected incumbent users potentially requiring equipment changes or service migration. FCC Docs

Why it matters: Broadcasters receiving network or syndicated programming via affected C-band earth stations should determine whether their receive facilities appear in the transition plans and what equipment changes may be necessary.

Action: Comments on the transition plans are due November 30. Preserve earth-station licensing information, equipment inventories and cost documentation before making relocation decisions.

4. Congress Takes Up Bipartisan Data-Center and Grid-Permitting Bill

The Senate is preparing to debate the bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, aimed at accelerating power-generation and transmission permitting while requiring large data centers to bear more of the cost of grid upgrades. The measure has support from the administration but also faces objections from environmental and Tribal groups over streamlined review provisions. Reuters

Why it matters: Rapid data-center growth is becoming a major federal energy-policy issue because of electricity demand, transmission constraints and consumer rate impacts. The bill could materially alter permitting and cost-allocation rules for large new loads and generation projects.

Action: No enacted change yet. Watch the Senate debate and amendments; the bill remains subject to passage by both chambers and presidential signature.

5. Post-Midterm Congress Expected to Shift Federal AI Policy

Following the November 3 election, incoming congressional leadership is preparing a substantial package of AI-related legislation for 2027, including proposals covering safety requirements, consumer protections, data-center impacts and federal oversight. Separate administration officials have also said the federal government intends to clarify which existing laws apply to AI laboratories. Reuters

Why it matters: AI regulation is moving from executive guidance toward potentially broader statutory requirements. That could affect technology companies, infrastructure demand, cybersecurity and communications policy, including FCC-adjacent issues involving networks and spectrum.

Action: No immediate compliance change. Watch for bill introductions and committee assignments when the new Congress convenes in January.

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Media Bureau Extends the Filing Window

 Media Bureau Extends the Filing Window for New Noncommercial Educational Reserved Band FM Translator Station Applications

Window will close at 6:00 p.m. EST on Monday, November 23, 2026.

MB Docket No. 26-20

By this Public Notice, the Media Bureau (Bureau) announces that the deadline for filing applications for new noncommercial educational (NCE) reserved band FM translator station construction permits will be extended to November 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. EST.