FCC Announces Effective Date of New Certifications From Buyers of Program Time to Identify Foreign Government Sponsored Programming, But Puts...
On June 7 2026 the FCC will require broadcasters to use a new standard certification form to verify that buyers of program time are not foreign governments or their agents. The rule, originally effective in 2022 for program leases, now also covers non‑commercial spot advertisements, though the extension to spot time is suspended for two years while the Commission reviews costs. Broadcasters must retain these certifications for the life of the license or at least one year and disclose any known foreign‑government‑sponsored spots on‑air. Existing leases signed before the effective date remain grandfathered until renewal.
This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: May 11, 2026 to May 15, 2026
The FCC announced Auction 114, slated to begin Feb 2 2027, which will make 132 FM channels—including 33 previously unsold permits—available for new stations. The agency also issued a filing freeze on modifications to the vacant FM allotments and opened comment periods on...
This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: May 4, 2026 to May 8, 2026
The FCC’s Media Bureau is facing a petition from Disney/ABC that challenges the agency’s recent equal‑opportunity guidance for “The View,” arguing the program remains a bona‑fide news interview exempt from equal‑time rules. Commissioner Jessica Gomez has called for a comprehensive review...
Medical Marijuana Removed From Schedule I – Moving Closer to Broadcast and Online Advertising but Concerns Still Remain
The Justice Department and DEA moved FDA‑approved medical marijuana and state‑licensed medical cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, creating a limited federal pathway for distribution. Recreational cannabis remains Schedule I, so its advertising stays prohibited. The change allows federally registered dispensaries to...
May 2026 Regulatory Dates for Broadcasters – Comment Deadlines, Political Windows, and More
May 2026 brings several FCC regulatory deadlines for broadcasters, including comment periods on the state of competition in video and audio markets (due May 21) and the TV Parental Guidelines ratings system (due May 22). The Audible Crawl Rule waiver was extended,...
This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: April 20, 2026 to April 24, 2026
The FCC’s Media Bureau issued a public notice seeking comment on modernizing the TV Parental Guidelines, including potential disclosures for transgender and non‑binary content. The DEA announced the rescheduling of state‑regulated medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, leaving advertising rules...
This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: April 13, 2026 to April 17, 2026
The FCC’s chair, Ajit Pai, signaled a possible probe into broadcasters and on‑air personalities for undisclosed conflicts of interest, reviving plugola‑style rules. Landover Saturn 5 LLC filed a petition to run a fast‑track incentive auction of the top nine UHF TV...
This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: March 30, 2026 to April 3, 2026
The FCC Media Bureau issued a public notice expanding Lowest Unit Charge (LUC) obligations to include joint fundraising committees and coordinated expenditures between political parties and federal candidates, contradicting a recent DOJ brief. Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell wrote...
April 2026 Regulatory Dates for Broadcasters – EEO Public File Reports, Comment Deadlines, Quarterly Issues/Programs Lists, Political Windows, and More
April 2026 brings a packed slate of FCC deadlines for U.S. broadcasters, including April 1 EEO public‑file reports for stations in Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas, and the start of Mid‑Term EEO reviews for larger units in Delaware, Pennsylvania...
With April Fools Day Almost Upon Us, Broadcasters Beware of the FCC Hoax Rule
Broadcasters face heightened scrutiny this April as the FCC re‑emphasizes its hoax rule, which bars knowingly false emergency reports that could cause public harm. The rule, codified in Section 73.1217, was created after on‑air stunts diverted first responders and can trigger...
AI in Political Attack Ads – Watch State Laws on Deep Fakes and Synthetic Media in Political Content
The article highlights a recent AI‑generated political attack ad that used a deep‑fake voice and image of Democratic Senate candidate James Tallarico, underscoring the rise of synthetic media in elections. Since the author’s last review, more than 20 additional states...
This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: March 9, 2026 to March 13, 2026
The FCC’s chairman warned broadcasters that inaccurate coverage could jeopardize license renewals, heightening political pressure on news accuracy. The Copyright Royalty Board approved settlements setting higher webcasting royalties for commercial, public, educational, and religious broadcasters through 2030. The FCC also...
This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: March 2, 2026 to March 6, 2026
The FCC released a draft Report and Order that modernizes broadcast licensing rules, replaces outdated CDBS references with LMS, and expands who may sign applications. The Media Bureau settled two consent decrees, penalizing an Arizona TV station for OPIF lapses...
FCC Waivers Needed for EAS Equipment that Is Not Operational But Not Defective
In the past three weeks the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau granted waivers allowing broadcast stations to temporarily disconnect Emergency Alert System (EAS) equipment while relocating towers. FCC rules require continuous EAS operation, but Section 11.35(b) permits up to...
March 2026 Regulatory Dates for Broadcasters – Daylight Savings Time, Applications for New LPTV/TV Translator Stations, Political Windows, and More
The FCC’s March 2026 calendar is packed with compliance milestones for broadcasters. Daylight‑Saving Time begins on March 8, forcing AM stations to verify sign‑on and sign‑off times, while a filing freeze on March 12 pauses all Class A, LPTV and translator modifications until...