FCC & U.S. Policy Briefing — September 21, 2026

 

1. FCC schedules nationwide EAS test — new ETRS deadlines now fixed

The FCC and FEMA have scheduled the first nationwide EAS test since 2023 for November 17 at 2:20 p.m. ET, with December 3 as the backup date. FEMA will originate a CAP message through IPAWS using the NPT event code; AM/FM, LPFM, full-power TV, Class A and LPTV stations and other EAS participants must participate. (FCC Docs)

Why it matters: This creates a new set of mandatory station filings and makes EAS equipment configuration, monitoring assignments, firmware and clock synchronization immediate engineering issues.

Action: ETRS Form One is due October 30. Form Two is due by 2:20 p.m. ET November 19 and Form Three by January 4, 2027. Stations should verify monitoring assignments and current EAS firmware well before the test.

2. FCC inspection of Michigan AM is a useful warning on DA operation, STA and EAS

The Enforcement Bureau issued a Notice of Violation to WSDS(AM), Salem Township, Michigan, after finding the station operating 36.6% above authorized daytime power, continuing after sunset with its daytime power and pattern, lacking reliable antenna-monitor phase/current readings, and failing to obtain an STA for extended operation at variance. Inspectors also found deficient EAS logs and monitoring of the wrong Local Primary stations. (Radio World)

Why it matters: This is unusually relevant to AM consulting because the violations cover several recurring real-world issues at once: DA monitor operation, day/night switching, power tolerance, operation beyond the 30-day notification period, STA requirements and EAS monitoring assignments.

Action: The licensee has 20 days to respond. For clients operating reduced power or with impaired DA monitoring, this is a good reminder to check whether a notification has aged into an STA requirement.

3. Regulatory fees due Thursday — FCC has demonstrated that nonpayment can ultimately cost the license

FY 2026 regulatory fees must reach the FCC through CORES by 11:59 p.m. EDT September 24. Late payment carries a 25% penalty and can interfere with application processing; the Commission recently revoked a Montana FM license after the licensee failed to resolve $6,754.80 in delinquent regulatory fees despite an Order to Pay or Show Cause. (Broadcast Law Blog)

Why it matters: This week's deadline has a genuine licensing consequence, not merely a financial penalty. A fee delinquency can become particularly troublesome when a client subsequently needs an STA, modification, assignment or renewal processed.

Action: Thursday, September 24, 11:59 p.m. EDT. Confirm payment rather than merely assuming accounting has handled it.

4. ABC asks federal court to stop FCC's unprecedented early license reviews

The Walt Disney Company and ABC filed their latest challenge Thursday seeking to block the FCC from forcing early renewal review of eight ABC-owned television licenses that ordinarily would not come up for renewal until 2028. ABC argues the action is retaliation for protected editorial speech; the FCC disputes that characterization and says its investigation concerns potential Communications Act and rule violations. The court has not decided the merits. (Reuters)

Why it matters: The case could establish important limits on the Commission's ability to use the broadcast license-renewal process outside the normal renewal cycle, with implications extending well beyond ABC.

Action: No station action presently required. A federal-court hearing is expected in early October; the FCC has agreed to provide advance notice before issuing a hearing order involving the licenses.

5. Supreme Court leaves USPS mail-ballot restrictions blocked for November election

The Supreme Court of the United States declined to allow the Postal Service to enforce the administration's new mail-ballot requirements while litigation continues. USPS subsequently stopped work on the computer system intended to implement those requirements, meaning existing state mail-ballot procedures remain operative for the November 3 midterms. (Investing.com)

Why it matters: This resolves, at least for the coming election, a significant uncertainty over federal intervention in state mail-voting procedures and removes the immediate prospect of a new nationwide USPS ballot-verification regime.

Action: No new USPS ballot requirements apply for November 3. The separate Supreme Court dispute over use of the federal SAVE citizenship database for voter-roll verification remains a matter to watch.

FCC & U.S. Policy Briefing — September 18, 2026

 

1. FCC approves unusually high foreign equity in Paramount/WBD transaction

The FCC's Media Bureau yesterday granted Paramount authority for foreign investors to hold 49.5% of its equity in connection with the proposed Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition. Because Paramount controls 28 television stations, the transaction implicated the Communications Act's 25% foreign-ownership benchmark; the approved interests are non-voting, and the ruling permits aggregate indirect foreign equity of up to 100% subject to national-security conditions. (Spokesman.com)

Why it matters: This is a significant application of the FCC's §310(b)(4) foreign-ownership policy to a major broadcast licensee. It demonstrates considerable flexibility where voting control and influence over licensees remain insulated, potentially relevant to future broadcast financing and transaction structures.

Action: No general rule changed. For ownership work, treat this as a useful precedent—not as elimination of the 25% statutory benchmark.

2. FCC regulatory fees due next Thursday — payment must actually reach the Commission

FY 2026 regulatory fees must be received through CORES by 11:59 p.m. EDT September 24. The FCC's final fee rule became effective September 14; late payments incur the statutory 25% penalty, and delinquency can cause the Commission to withhold action on or ultimately dismiss unrelated applications. (FR Tracker)

Why it matters: This is now the most immediate universal FCC deadline for commercial broadcast clients. The current licensee is responsible for facilities held on October 1, 2025, even where a station was subsequently transferred; entities owing $1,000 or less in total FY2026 fees remain exempt. (Wiley Rein LLP)

Action: Verify client CORES accounts and payments early next week rather than relying on September 24 processing.

3. EAS cybersecurity deadline — 11 days remain, and the rule reaches the whole IP-connected program chain

The new FCC cybersecurity requirements become mandatory September 29. Covered systems include EAS equipment, STLs and remotely managed signal-chain equipment; required safeguards include strong authentication/password practices, prompt security patching and firewalls or comparable network segmentation. (SBE37)

Why it matters: For engineering purposes this can encompass automation, processors, RDS encoders, transmitters, remote controls and IP STLs, not merely the EAS encoder/decoder. Passwords using the FCC's specified approach must be at least 15 characters, non-dictionary based and not reused, although equivalent robust authentication is permitted. (Colorado Broadcasters Association)

Action: Complete and document station-by-station signal-chain/network reviews before September 29.

4. NCE translator window: October 2 database freeze is now only two weeks away

The Media Bureau's freeze associated with the first reserved-band NCE FM translator filing window begins after 11:59 p.m. ET October 2. After that point the Bureau will not accept reserved- or non-reserved-band LPFM, FM translator or FM booster minor-modification applications until the November window closes; the application snapshot date is November 17. (FCC Docs)

Why it matters: For current translator searches, October 2—not November 4—is the important engineering date. Facility changes that could improve an applicant's channel environment need to be filed before the database effectively freezes.

Action: Finish prospective NCE translator screenings and identify any necessary LPFM/translator/booster minor modifications now. Window: November 4–17; hard close 6:00 p.m. ET November 17. (FCC Docs)

5. Federal Register briefly used Chinese AI model for regulatory searches

A Federal Register website operated by the National Archives briefly deployed a search feature using Alibaba's Qwen AI model; the feature was removed after its use became public. The episode comes amid federal restrictions and national-security scrutiny of Chinese technology, although experts noted that the Federal Register itself primarily contains public information. (Reuters)

Why it matters: This is a consequential federal IT-governance issue because the Federal Register is a core publication system for legally operative agency rules, including FCC actions. The concern is less the public documents themselves than federal procurement, data handling and provenance of AI-generated regulatory search results.

Action: No change to Federal Register legal status or FCC filing procedures. For regulatory work, continue treating the published Federal Register document itself—not an AI-generated search summary—as the controlling source.

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.