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.
