FCC & U.S. Policy Briefing — September 17, 2026

 

1. FCC opens formal comment cycle on expanded political-ad LUC policy

The FCC's Media Bureau has opened MB Docket No. 26-253 for an application for review challenging the Commission's March guidance expanding lowest-unit-charge treatment to certain party-coordinated and joint-fundraising political advertising. This is particularly significant because the policy is already being litigated and broadcasters are currently inside the November 3 general-election LUC window. (TheDesk.net)

Why it matters: The Commission is now developing an administrative record on a policy that directly affects station political-ad revenue and traffic practices. The proceeding could modify, affirm or ultimately replace the March interpretation; for now, the existing operative requirements should continue to be followed.

Action: Comments/oppositions are due September 25; replies October 5. Broadcasters with substantial political advertising may want counsel or their associations to participate.

2. FCC nominee's Senate hearing scheduled for today has been postponed

The Senate Commerce Committee has officially postponed today's confirmation hearing for Danielle Thumann Severs, President Trump's nominee for the vacant Republican FCC seat. The Committee currently lists the hearing simply as "Postponed," with no replacement date announced. (Senate Commerce Committee)

Why it matters: This corrects yesterday's briefing: there will not be an FCC nomination hearing today. Until Severs is confirmed, the FCC remains at three sitting commissioners rather than moving to a 3-1 Republican majority.

Action: No filing action. Watch for the Senate Commerce Committee to announce a new hearing date.

3. Regulatory fees due one week from today

FY 2026 FCC regulatory fees must be received through CORES by 11:59 p.m. ET Thursday, September 24. Commercial AM/FM, full-power television, LPTV/Class A/TV translator and other fee-bearing facilities should now be treated as being inside the final compliance week.

Why it matters: Late payment carries the statutory 25% penalty, and an FCC delinquency can hold up or prevent processing of otherwise unrelated applications. For engineering clients with active CP, STA, assignment or modification work, that makes this more than an accounting deadline.

Action: Verify clients' CORES status and payment obligations now. For LPTV/Class A/TV translators, remember the FCC's corrected FY2026 fee is $255 per facility.

4. Senate panel advances bill restricting federal pressure on broadcasters and online platforms

The Senate Commerce Committee yesterday approved, 18-10, legislation allowing individuals to sue federal employees who coerce private companies into suppressing constitutionally protected speech. Supporters cited government interactions with both broadcasters and technology platforms under the Trump and Biden administrations; the measure specifically enters the debate surrounding FCC pressure on broadcast programming and licensing decisions. (Reuters)

Why it matters: If enacted, this could create a statutory cause of action directly relevant to disputes over FCC pressure on broadcast editorial decisions, rather than leaving those questions principally to First Amendment litigation and administrative-law review.

Action: This is not law yet. It must still pass the full Senate and House and be signed by the president; watch whether Senate leadership schedules floor consideration.

5. Federal Reserve raises rates for first time in more than three years

The Federal Reserve yesterday raised its benchmark federal-funds target by 25 basis points to 3.75%-4.00%, its first increase in more than three years, and its new projections indicate that additional tightening may follow. The decision reflects persistent inflation pressures, including the economic effects of elevated energy prices. (Reuters)

Why it matters: The significant policy signal is not yesterday's quarter-point move by itself but the Fed's indication that this may be the beginning of additional tightening. Higher short- and long-term rates increase federal debt-service expense while raising borrowing costs for businesses, property, construction and infrastructure.

Action: No regulatory action. Watch subsequent inflation data and Treasury yields for evidence that the Fed will deliver the additional increase implied by its year-end projections.

FCC & U.S. Policy Briefing — September 16, 2026

 

1. NCE translator-window engineering is becoming the next major FM workload

With the Auction 114 FM minor-change freeze already in effect, attention should now shift toward the FCC's November 4–17 reserved-band NCE FM translator window. The Media Bureau's subsequent guidance confirms that applicants generally must be existing NCE FM, noncommercial AM or LPFM licensees/permittees proposing translators to rebroadcast their own stations; the associated database freeze begins October 2.

Why it matters: For consulting work, October 2 is effectively the engineering cutoff for changes to existing LPFM, FM translator and FM booster facilities that could alter the database used to prepare window applications. Channel searches being performed now should therefore be based on a database that will soon become substantially fixed.

Action: Complete prospective NCE translator channel/site screenings and any needed secondary-service minor modifications before October 2 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The translator window opens November 4 and closes November 17 at 6:00 p.m. ET.

2. FCC commissioner nomination hearing is tomorrow

The Senate Commerce Committee will hold its confirmation hearing tomorrow for Danielle Thumann Severs, President Trump's nominee for the vacant Republican seat on the FCC. If eventually confirmed, she would give Republicans three commissioners; another Commission seat remains vacant.

Why it matters: A restored Republican majority could materially affect the pace of pending broadcast ownership, infrastructure, spectrum and enforcement proceedings, including items now being advanced under Chairman Carr.

Action: Hearing begins September 17 at 10:30 a.m. ET. Watch particularly for questioning or commitments involving media ownership, broadcast licensing, equal-time enforcement and spectrum policy.

3. EAS/program-chain cybersecurity deadline is now 13 days away

Broadcasters must comply with new 47 CFR §11.35(d) by September 29. The rule requires strong password practices, prompt testing and installation of security patches, and firewalls or comparable network segmentation for EAS equipment, STL equipment and remotely managed equipment that routes, processes or inserts programming.

Why it matters: This is considerably broader than an EAS-box requirement. Depending on station architecture, automation systems, processors, RDS equipment, remote controls, transmitters and IP-connected STL equipment can fall within the affected program chain.

Action: Stations that have not already done so should inventory remotely accessible program-chain equipment and document passwords, patch status and network segmentation before September 29.

4. FY 2026 FCC regulatory fees — eight days remain

Annual FCC regulatory fees are due September 24. Commercial broadcast licensees generally remain responsible for authorizations held on October 1, 2025, including stations subsequently sold or surrendered; a licensee owing $1,000 or less in total FY2026 regulatory fees qualifies for the de minimis exemption.

Why it matters: Late payment produces an automatic 25% penalty, and FCC delinquency can interfere with processing unrelated applications. This makes what looks like an accounting matter potentially relevant to active engineering and licensing work.

Action: Clients should verify CORES obligations now rather than next week. Payment deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET September 24.

FCC & U.S. Policy Briefing — September 15, 2026

1. Auction 114 FM freeze is now in effect — preferred-site coordinates matter

The Auction 114 Form 175 window opened yesterday for 132 vacant commercial FM allotments, and the accompanying freeze on commercial and NCE FM minor-change applications is now active through September 30. Auction applicants may identify specific preferred transmitter coordinates; those sites then receive protection against subsequently filed FM proposals.

Why it matters: For allocation work, this means the engineering landscape can change during the auction window. A channel/site study performed before Auction 114 preferred coordinates become available may need to be rechecked before relying on it for a later application.

Action: Do not file covered FM minor changes during the freeze. For Auction 114 work, monitor disclosed preferred-site coordinates; Form 175 closes September 30 at 6:00 p.m. ET.

2. Radio groups renew push to eliminate local radio ownership limits

Cumulus Media and Zimmer Radio yesterday urged the FCC to eliminate or substantially relax the local radio ownership limits, arguing that competition from digital audio platforms has made the existing market caps obsolete. This remains advocacy in the FCC's ownership proceeding — the Commission has not adopted a change to the local radio limits.

Why it matters: This could ultimately have substantial consequences for AM/FM transactions, ownership studies and acquisition strategy. It is particularly notable following the FCC's August action eliminating the national television ownership cap, suggesting that further broadcast-ownership deregulation remains an active Commission priority.

Action: No change to current ownership studies: continue applying the existing local radio caps until the FCC adopts and makes effective a new rule.

3. EAS cybersecurity compliance deadline is two weeks away

Broadcasters must implement the FCC's new EAS cybersecurity requirements by September 29. The requirements include stronger password controls, timely security-related firmware/software updates and firewalling or otherwise isolating EAS equipment, STLs and remotely managed equipment used to route, process or insert programming.

Why it matters: The scope is broader than the EAS encoder/decoder and can reach STL, automation, remote-control and other IP-connected program-chain equipment. For smaller AM/FM/LPTV operations in particular, older equipment exposed directly to the Internet deserves attention.

Action: Complete and document an equipment/network review before September 29. Reply comments on the FCC's additional EAS modernization proposals are also due that day.

FCC & U.S. Policy Briefing — September 11, 2026

 

1. Auction 114 FM freeze starts Monday — today is the last normal business day to file

The Media Bureau's freeze on commercial and NCE FM minor-change applications begins September 14 and continues through September 30. Any covered minor-change application submitted during the window will be dismissed; Auction 114 will offer 132 vacant non-reserved FM allotments. (FCC Documentation)

Why it matters: For current FM engineering work, today is effectively the last normal filing day before a 17-day interruption. Existing FM minor changes must also protect the Auction 114 reference coordinates and, when disclosed, auction applicants' preferred-site coordinates.

Action: File any completed FM minor changes today rather than relying on Monday morning. Form 175 opens Monday at noon ET and closes September 30 at 6:00 p.m. ET.

2. FCC equal-time policy is now changing actual network programming decisions

ABC's Jimmy Kimmel says an interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico will be distributed online rather than aired on the ABC broadcast because of the FCC's position that daytime and late-night talk shows are not automatically exempt "bona fide news" programs under the political equal-opportunities rule. ABC's The View has likewise stopped inviting political candidates following FCC scrutiny. (Reuters)

Why it matters: The Commission's policy is no longer an abstract Washington dispute; it is affecting actual broadcast programming decisions and affiliate-carried network content during the election period. The issue is distinct from lowest-unit-charge requirements and turns on §315 equal opportunities and the bona-fide-news exemptions.

Action: Stations carrying candidate appearances outside conventional newscasts should make sure programming, traffic and counsel are identifying appearances that could trigger an equal-opportunities request. The November 3 election makes this an active compliance issue now.

3. FY 2026 regulatory-fee deadline is less than two weeks away

FCC regulatory fees for FY 2026 must be received electronically through CORES by 11:59 p.m. EDT September 24. The Media Bureau guidance specifically covers commercial AM/FM stations, FM translators and boosters, full-power TV, TV translators, LPTV and Class A television facilities. (FCC Documentation)

Why it matters: The consequence is more than the statutory 25% late penalty. The FCC can withhold action on and dismiss pending applications and other requests for benefits involving a delinquent regulatee. (FCC Documentation)

Action: This is a good point to remind commercial clients to verify their FRN/CORES access and outstanding fees rather than waiting until September 24.

4. St. George television channel substitution reaches reply-comment stage

Comments closed yesterday in MB Docket 26-195 / RM-12023, involving a proposed amendment of the TV Table of Allotments at St. George, Utah. The proposal remains a rulemaking—not an adopted channel change—and the FCC will now consider the record before deciding whether to amend §73.622(j). (FR Tracker)

Why it matters: These apparently routine channel-substitution proceedings remain worth watching because they provide current examples of how the Media Bureau is handling full-power DTV allotment changes, principal-community coverage and post-repack channel engineering.

Action: Reply comments are due September 25. No broader television filing action is required.

5. Supreme Court blocks Missouri's new congressional map for the November election

The Supreme Court of the United States yesterday blocked Missouri from using its newly redrawn congressional map in the November 3 midterms, leaving the state's previous congressional districts in place. The order followed conflicting state and federal court rulings and is immediately consequential because Republicans hold only a narrow House majority. (Reuters)

Why it matters: This is more consequential than routine campaign coverage: it determines the actual congressional districts used in November and could affect control of the House. The Court's emergency order did not resolve the broader merits of partisan redistricting.

Action: No public compliance action. For election planning, treat Missouri's prior congressional map as controlling for November 3 unless the Court issues a further order.

FCC & U.S. Policy Briefing — September 4, 2026

1. Political lowest-unit-charge window opens today — but the FCC rule is in Supreme Court limbo

The **60-day lowest-unit-charge (LUC) window for the November 3 general election begins today, September 4**. The FCC's March guidance would have extended LUC treatment beyond candidates and their authorized committees to certain party-coordinated and joint-fundraising advertising, but the Fourth Circuit **vacated that expansion on August 25**; Republican congressional committees have now asked the Supreme Court of the United States for an emergency stay.

**Why it matters:** Until the Supreme Court changes the situation, stations should **not assume that party committees or joint fundraising committees automatically qualify for LUC** merely because an advertisement is coordinated with a candidate. Candidate and authorized-campaign-committee purchases remain entitled to LUC under §315(b). This is a genuinely fluid compliance issue rather than a settled FCC policy. 

**Action:** Effective **today**, review political-ad rate treatment carefully and watch for Supreme Court action in *NRCC v. Brown*, No. 26A274. 

2. FCC–Disney fight escalates over extraordinary early reviews of eight ABC licenses

The Federal Communications Commission asked a federal court yesterday to dismiss [Disney's challenge to the FCC's early review of eight ABC-owned television licenses]

**Why it matters:** The case potentially reaches well beyond ABC. It tests how far the Commission may use the **broadcast-license review process to investigate a licensee before its normal renewal cycle**, with obvious implications for the traditional separation between FCC licensing authority and protected programming/editorial decisions. Disney characterizes the reviews as retaliation; the FCC says it is investigating allegations of unlawful discrimination. 

**Action:** No broadcaster filing is presently required. A district-court hearing is scheduled for **October 6**, and the FCC has agreed to provide at least 48 hours' notice before referring the ABC licenses for a hearing.

3. FCC opens formal review of Spanish Broadcasting System restructuring and foreign ownership

The Media Bureau has opened **MB Docket No. 26-240** covering the post-bankruptcy transfer of the license subsidiaries of Spanish Broadcasting System. SBS is also seeking a §310(b)(4) declaratory ruling allowing aggregate foreign equity and/or voting interests to exceed the normal **25% statutory benchmark**. 

**Why it matters:** This is a useful real-world test of the FCC's **January 2026 revised foreign-ownership framework for broadcasters**. The proceeding involves multiple major-market radio facilities, including WCMQ-FM Hialeah and WXDJ(FM), and may provide practical precedent for future broadcast ownership restructurings involving foreign capital. 

**Action:** **Petitions to deny: October 2; oppositions: October 19; replies: October 26.** The proceeding is permit-but-disclose. [FCC Public Notice — DA 26-933]

4. FCC systems maintenance starts tonight — avoid weekend-dependent filings

The FCC is warning that its electronic systems will undergo **scheduled maintenance beginning tonight, Friday September 4 at 6:00 p.m. ET, continuing through Sunday September 6 at 5:00 p.m. ET**. The Commission warns users to expect temporary service disruptions and periods of reduced availability.

**Why it matters:** For engineering practice this is the kind of mundane notice that can become consequential if an LMS, ASR, CORES or other Commission-system transaction is left for the weekend. It is particularly worth noting with the **Auction 114 FM freeze only ten days away** and regulatory-fee activity underway.

**Action:** Complete any time-sensitive FCC database work **before 6:00 p.m. ET today** where practical. Separately, remember that the Auction 114 commercial/NCE FM minor-change freeze starts **September 14**, and FY2026 regulatory fees are due **September 24**.

5. Administration takes new mail-ballot restrictions directly to Supreme Court

The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court yesterday to permit enforcement of a new United States Postal Service rule tightening requirements for mail ballots ahead of the **November 3 midterm election**. The rule would require states to supply voter-specific lists and use approved ballot-mail envelopes with unique barcodes; USPS could refuse ballots that do not comply. A federal judge temporarily blocked the rule August 27, finding that it likely intrudes on states' constitutional election authority and that compliance on the compressed timetable may be impracticable.

**Why it matters:** This is potentially consequential election administration rather than ordinary campaign politics. The administration argues the standards protect against fraud; the challenging states and voting-rights groups contend they could prevent otherwise legitimate ballots from being delivered. The Supreme Court has **not yet resolved the merits**, so the ultimate rules for November remain unsettled.

**Action:** No individual action at present, but watch for rapid Supreme Court action because election-mail preparation is already underway.

FCC & U.S. Policy Briefing — September 3, 2026

 

1. FCC opens CORES for FY 2026 regulatory fees — September 24 deadline

The FCC has opened CORES for FY 2026 regulatory-fee payments. Commercial AM/FM, FM translators and boosters, full-power TV, LPTV and Class A facilities are among the media services covered; payment must be completed electronically by 11:59 p.m. EDT September 24. 

Why it matters: A late payment triggers an immediate 25% statutory penalty, and delinquency can cause the FCC to withhold action on or dismiss pending applications. The licensee or permit holder on the payment due date bears the obligation even where an assignment occurred after October 1, 2025. 

Action: Have commercial broadcast clients verify their CORES/FRN access and fee obligations now; don't leave electronic payment troubleshooting until September 24.

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2. Auction 114 FM freeze begins September 14 — file pending minor changes beforehand

The Media Bureau's Auction 114 FM minor-change freeze begins September 14 when the Form 175 window opens. During September 14–30, the FCC will not accept commercial or NCE FM minor-change applications; applications submitted during the freeze will be dismissed. Auction 114 contains 132 vacant non-reserved FM allotments. 

Why it matters: This directly affects ordinary FM engineering work. Pending minor-change proposals should also be checked for protection of the Auction 114 allotment reference coordinates and, once disclosed, protected preferred-site coordinates.

Action: File ready FM minor changes before September 14. Auction applicants have until 6:00 p.m. ET September 30 to submit Form 175; bidding begins February 2, 2027. 

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3. EAS modernization: cybersecurity work and September 29 reply-comment deadline

The FCC's EAS modernization proceeding remains one of the more consequential technical compliance matters for broadcasters this month. The June order addresses cybersecurity safeguards for EAS and related networked broadcast equipment, while the accompanying Further Notice continues consideration of additional EAS/WEA changes; reply comments are due September 29 in PS Dockets 25-224, 15-94 and 15-91.

Why it matters: EAS is increasingly an IT/network-security issue as well as a Part 11 issue. Password management, software/firmware maintenance and isolation of Internet-accessible equipment deserve engineering review rather than being left solely to station administrative staff.

Action: Put September 29 on the engineering/compliance calendar and review EAS network exposure, credentials and update practices.

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4. FCC's 2026 broadcast EEO audit responses are due October 20

The Enforcement Bureau has selected roughly 5% of radio and television stations for its 2026 random EEO audits. Selected stations must upload the principal audit response to their FCC-hosted online public inspection files by October 20, 2026; certain privacy-sensitive responses are instead submitted directly to the Enforcement Bureau by email. 

Why it matters: This is easy for engineering-oriented clients to overlook because it is not an LMS filing. Stations should verify whether any facility in their ownership group or associated employment unit appears on the audit list.

Action: Check client call signs against the FCC's August 21 audit list now. Affected stations have about seven weeks remaining to assemble the required records.

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5. Federal shutdown avoided: stopgap funding signed through December 11

President Trump signed H.R. 6500, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027, on September 2. It funds federal agencies through December 11, 2026, eliminating the immediate October 1 shutdown risk while Congress continues work on the FY 2027 appropriations bills. 

Why it matters: For broadcast practitioners, this materially reduces the near-term risk of disruption to FCC application processing, Media Bureau/OET work, FAA and other federal regulatory functions during an already busy fall filing period.

Action: No immediate filing action. The next federal-funding pressure point is December 11, which is worth keeping in view for filings or federal approvals expected late in the year.