FCC & Policy Briefing
Thursday, November 12, 2026
FCC LMS PUBLIC DATA — NINE DAYS STALE
As of this morning, the FCC LMS downloadable public-data files used by broadcast engineers and communications attorneys still reportedly show November 3, 2026, as the most recent data date. That makes the files nine days stale during an active NCE FM translator filing window.
This can materially affect allocation, spacing, interference and application-preparation studies across AM, FM, TV, LPTV, LPFM and translator services. Until the files are refreshed, engineering studies based on bulk LMS downloads should be regarded as provisional and critical facilities/applications checked individually in LMS.
The duration and industry impact now raise legitimate questions about LMS contractor performance, system resilience and FCC oversight. An FCC Office of Inspector General review of contract performance, procurement administration and contractor accountability may be warranted; there is presently no verified evidence establishing procurement or contract fraud.
1. NCE FM Translator Window Remains Open Through November 23
The Media Bureau extended the reserved-band NCE FM translator window to November 23 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern after LMS technical failures interfered with application preparation and submission. The associated LPFM/FM translator/FM booster minor-change freeze and comparative snapshot date were extended to the same date. Vermont Association of Broadcasters
Why it matters: The extra filing time is useful, but stale LMS bulk data create a separate engineering risk that the filing extension itself does not cure.
Action: November 23, 6:00 p.m. ET — hard deadline. Independently verify critical facilities and pending applications before certifying technical showings.
2. Nationwide EAS Test Is Tuesday — Final Engineering Check
The nationwide EAS test is scheduled for November 17 at approximately 2:20 p.m. Eastern, using FEMA's IPAWS infrastructure; December 3 remains the backup date. FCC guidance specifically reminds broadcasters to update EAS firmware/software, verify monitoring assignments and ensure equipment recognizes the NPT event code and national location code. Vermont Association of Broadcasters
Why it matters: Configuration or monitoring errors that remain unnoticed during routine weekly/monthly tests can surface during the nationwide test.
Action: Before Tuesday, verify CAP connectivity, monitoring sources, NPT processing, firmware and accessibility functions. Complete applicable post-test ETRS reporting afterward.
3. St. George DTV Channel Substitution Becomes Effective Today
A final FCC rule becomes effective today, November 12, changing the St. George, Utah, television allotment to include *Channel 18. The action in MB Docket 26-195 / RM-12023, DA 26-1188 follows the Bureau's engineering review and adoption of the channel substitution on November 3. GovInfo
Why it matters: The change is now part of the controlling Table of TV Allotments and should be reflected in current television allocation and interference studies.
Action: Effective today. Update TV allotment reference data used for engineering work involving St. George and surrounding markets.
4. National TV Ownership Cap Repeal Published — January 11 Effective Date
Today's Federal Register confirms that the FCC's repeal of the 39% national television audience-reach cap will become effective January 11, 2027. Transactions exceeding the former cap will instead receive case-by-case review under the Commission's localism, competition and viewpoint-diversity criteria. GovInfo
Why it matters: This is a major change in television ownership policy and could enable substantially larger station-group transactions. Local ownership restrictions and transaction-review requirements remain separate constraints.
Action: January 11, 2027 — scheduled effective date. Watch for litigation or stay requests before relying on the repeal in transaction planning.
5. Incoming Congress Signals Aggressive Oversight of FCC Chairman Carr
Following the midterm elections, lawmakers expected to hold committee authority in the next Congress are signaling increased scrutiny of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, including potential hearings and subpoenas concerning broadcast investigations, media policy and other Commission actions. Separately, Reporters Without Borders has publicly called for Carr's impeachment; that advocacy does not itself initiate any congressional removal proceeding. mediagazer.com
Why it matters: Enhanced congressional oversight could affect the pace and political environment surrounding broadcast ownership, enforcement, E-Rate and media-regulation proceedings beginning in January.
Action: No immediate broadcaster filing obligation. Watch committee organization and formal oversight announcements when the new Congress convenes January 3, 2027.
Blogger Publishing Note
Label: FCC & U.S. Policy Briefing
