Do you know what FCC filing deadlines are in the coming months? We do. Time to mark up calendars so you’re not late on these important deadlines. Call FHH if you have trouble meeting this deadlines or need assistance.
February 9 – Revising Requirements for “Twilight Towers” – Comments are due with regard to the Public Notice whereby the FCC has requested comments on a draft Program Comment addressing the historic preservation review requirements for collocating wireless communications facilities on certain communications towers, referred to as “Twilight Towers.”
February 20 – Next Generation TV – ATSC 3.0 – Comments are due in response to the Commission’s Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making, which accompanied its November Report and Order authorizing television broadcasters to use the Next Generation television transmission standard (ATSC 3.0).
February 26 – National TV Audience Reach Limits – Comments are due in response to the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rule Making which seeks input on whether to modify, retain or eliminate the national TV multiple ownership rule (or national TV audience reach cap), a rule that limits the number of TV stations a single entity may own nationwide to an audience reach of 39% of all television households.
Revising Requirements for “Twilight Towers” – Reply Comments are due with regard to the Public Notice whereby the FCC has requested comments on a draft Program Comment addressing the historic preservation review requirements for collocating wireless communications facilities on certain communications towers, referred to as “Twilight Towers.”
March 1 – Radio Station Online Public Files – All radio stations in all markets must have uploaded their entire public inspection files, with the exception of the political file, to the location provided for such public files on the FCC’s website. The records which must be uploaded by March 1, 2018 include, but are not limited to, any and all issues/programs lists and EEO public file reports for the current license term, as well as either a current list of or copies of organizational documents and contracts required to be filed with the Commission.
March 2 – Biennial Ownership Reports – All licensees and entities holding an attributable interest in a licensee of one or more commercial or non-commercial AM, FM, TV, Class A television, and/or LPTV stations must file a biennial ownership report reflecting information as of Oct.1, 2017. Please recall that not only corporations and limited liability companies, but also sole proprietorships and partnerships composed entirely of natural persons (as opposed to a legal person, such as a corporation) are included in the licensees that must file reports. For the first time, noncommercial and commercial entities are required to file by the same date. Additionally, all persons holding an attributable interest in a commercial licensee must have acquired either an FCC Registration Number (FRN) or Restricted Use FRN.
March 9 – Multiple Ownership Rules – Comments are due in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking portion of the Commission’s Order on Reconsideration released in November, in its media ownership proceeding requesting comment on the creation of an incubator program to encourage diversity in media ownership.
March 20 – Next Generation TV – ATSC 3.0 – Reply Comments are due in response to the Commission’s Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making, which accompanied its November Report and Order authorizing television broadcasters to use the Next Generation television transmission standard (ATSC 3.0).
March 27 – National TV Audience Reach Limits – Reply Comments are due in response to the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rule Making which seeks input on whether to modify, retain or eliminate the national TV multiple ownership rule (or national TV audience reach cap), a rule that limits the number of TV stations a single entity may own nationwide to an audience reach of 39 percent of all television households.
(Note our list is not comprehensive, and other proceedings may apply to you.)