FCC & Policy Briefing
Thursday, October 22, 2026
1. FCC RF exposure proceeding — technical comment deadline today
The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology is accepting comments in ET Docket 13-84, DA 26-997, addressing RF exposure issues remanded by the D.C. Circuit in Environmental Health Trust v. FCC. The proceeding examines scientific evidence concerning non-cancer health effects, long-term exposure, portable-device testing and environmental effects, including potential impacts on migratory birds. The Commission has not proposed new numerical exposure limits, and existing RF safety requirements remain in effect.
Why it matters: Any eventual revision could affect RF exposure calculations, transmitter-site compliance evaluations and equipment authorization procedures. The proceeding is particularly relevant to engineers responsible for multiple-transmitter broadcast sites.
Action: Comments due today, October 22. Technical submissions should address the specific questions identified in the OET notice.
2. FCC chairman warns broadcasters over election polling — no new rule adopted
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr warned October 21 that broadcasters airing deliberately fabricated election polls could violate the Commission's news-distortion policies. Carr did not identify specific polls or announce an enforcement proceeding. Commissioner Anna Gomez responded that good-faith reporting of publicly available polling information, even when subsequently inaccurate, does not constitute actionable news distortion.
Why it matters: The statements highlight increased regulatory scrutiny of broadcast news coverage immediately before the November 3 election. Existing FCC policy distinguishes deliberate falsification of significant news events from ordinary reporting errors, editorial judgments and expressions of opinion.
Action: No new compliance deadline or rule change. News departments should maintain established verification and editorial-review procedures for election polling.
3. FCC television allotment proceedings highlight continuing VHF/UHF engineering issues
Two pending Media Bureau proceedings illustrate contrasting approaches to television channel selection. In MB Docket 26-266, Georgia Public Broadcasting proposes moving WVAN-TV, Savannah, from VHF Channel *8 to UHF Channel *18 to improve reception, while MB Docket 26-287 proposes returning KDIN-TV, Des Moines, to VHF Channel *11 after the licensee determined it could not complete its authorized UHF Channel *34 construction. Both remain proposed allotment changes.
Why it matters: The proceedings demonstrate that improved UHF reception must be weighed against construction costs, facility feasibility and existing service obligations. They also reinforce the importance of evaluating practical implementation before pursuing television channel substitutions.
Action: Savannah comments due October 30; replies November 16. Des Moines comments due November 18; replies December 3. Review potential interference implications for affected television facilities.
4. FCC prepares October 29 vote on satellite-to-cellphone spectrum expansion
The FCC's October 29 Open Meeting will consider proposals expanding direct-to-device satellite communications and modernizing associated spectrum-sharing regulations. The agenda includes advancing an auction involving approximately 25 MHz of spectrum and considering an additional 482 MHz for supplemental satellite coverage. The Commission will also consider final rules concerning certain drone operations in the 800 MHz cellular band.
Why it matters: Expanded satellite/mobile integration could substantially change spectrum utilization and future coordination requirements. Although the proposals do not directly modify AM/FM/TV allocations, they are relevant to broader interference-protection policy and communications infrastructure planning.
Action: October 29 Commission meeting. Review adopted orders and proposed rulemakings for technical coordination requirements and subsequent comment deadlines.
5. Commerce Department announces $389 million semiconductor research initiative
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced October 22 that it intends to provide up to $389 million in research and development funding to four companies developing advanced power semiconductors and critical materials. The proposed awards include work involving gallium nitride power devices, fusion-energy electronics and semiconductor-grade quartz. The government would receive minority, nonvoting equity interests as a condition of funding, and the announced awards remain subject to final agreements.
Why it matters: The initiative represents another expansion of federal involvement in domestic semiconductor development and supply-chain security. Advances in high-efficiency power devices could eventually benefit RF power amplifiers, transmitter power supplies and other communications equipment, although no immediate broadcast-specific benefits are established.
Action: No broadcaster compliance deadline. Monitor implementation of the funding agreements and resulting developments in domestic power-semiconductor manufacturing.
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Label: FCC & U.S. Policy Briefing
