1. FCC dismisses 36 LPFM applications — strong warning on localism and de facto networks
The Media Bureau yesterday dismissed 36 applications from the 2023 LPFM window after concluding that the applicants did not actually satisfy §73.853(b)'s local-presence requirement. The applicants shared ties to Wade Rathke and the Affiliated Media Foundation Movement; although the Bureau did not need to reach a final real-party-in-interest finding, it said the record suggested an effort to establish a prohibited multistate LPFM network. (FCC ID)
Why it matters: This is useful precedent for LPFM application work: a convenient local mailing address or "local representative" is not a substitute for an actual local headquarters/campus or the required board residency. The dismissals also converted three MX situations into singleton grants.
Action: For pending LPFM matters, verify that claimed local headquarters are genuine operating locations and documented as such. The Bureau says remaining related applications—and any reconsideration petitions—may receive additional real-party-in-interest scrutiny.
2. FCC regulatory fees due Thursday — two days remain
FY 2026 regulatory fees must be received through CORES by 11:59 p.m. EDT September 24. Commercial AM/FM, full-power TV and applicable secondary television facilities should now be considered at the hard-deadline stage; late payment produces the statutory 25% penalty and delinquency can interfere with processing other FCC applications. (Broadcast Law Blog)
Why it matters: For clients with active STAs, CPs, modifications, assignments or renewals, an overlooked accounting item can become a licensing problem.
Action: Confirm actual CORES payment—not merely that payment was authorized—by Thursday night.
3. EAS cybersecurity deadline is one week away
The FCC's new EAS security practices become mandatory September 29. Broadcasters must address authentication/password security, timely installation of security-related software and firmware updates, and firewalling or equivalent network segmentation for EAS equipment and other remotely managed equipment in the program chain. (Broadcast Law Blog)
Why it matters: Engineering compliance can extend beyond the EAS encoder/decoder to IP STLs, automation, processors, remote controls and transmitter-related equipment where those systems route, process or insert programming.
Action: Finish the station equipment/network inventory and document compliance before September 29. Do not assume that securing only the EAS box satisfies the rule.
4. Nationwide EAS test adds October 30 ETRS deadline
The FCC has formally announced that FEMA will conduct a nationwide EAS test November 17 at 2:20 p.m. ET, using a CAP/IPAWS message and the NPT event code; December 3 is the backup date. The FCC specifically recommends checking EAS handbooks, equipment configuration and monitoring arrangements in advance. (FCC Docs)
Why it matters: This turns EAS readiness into a two-stage engineering task: satisfy next week's cybersecurity rules, then prepare stations for the first nationwide EAS test since 2023.
Action: ETRS Form One is due October 30. The nationwide test is November 17; stations should verify monitoring assignments, CAP connectivity and EAS equipment operation well before then.
5. U.S.–Greenland agreement substantially expands American Arctic military presence
The United States, Denmark and Greenland are expected today to formalize an agreement allowing a substantial expansion of the U.S. military presence in Greenland, including two additional operating locations alongside Pituffik Space Base. Denmark maintains that sovereignty remains Danish/Greenlandic despite President Trump's characterization of the agreement as giving the United States permanent security control; the complete legal text has not yet been published. (Reuters)
Why it matters: This is a consequential U.S. defense-policy development rather than routine diplomacy. It substantially expands American Arctic infrastructure at a time when missile warning, space operations, Russian activity and access to Arctic routes and minerals have become strategic priorities.
Action: No public compliance action. Treat claims about permanent U.S. control cautiously until the actual agreement is released; the confirmed development is expanded U.S. military access, not a transfer of Greenlandic sovereignty.
