The FCC has long required stations seeking renewal or a transfer of a license to file a notice in a local newspaper. These rules were unnecessarily complex and served very little purpose. Last week the FCC voted to change its rules.
The old rule required certain applicants to provide written notice in the print edition of a local newspaper, other applicants must broadcast on-air messages that announce the filing of an application, and some applicants must do both. With the new rules, the newspaper publication requirement is replaced by the requirement that a written public notice be posted online on a publicly accessible website that includes a link to the application. On-air notices will direct listeners and viewers to the Commission’s online databases where they can view and comment on the application. Specifically:
- On-air notices must air a total of six times on weekdays between 7 AM and 11 PM, at least once per week for four weeks, with no more than one announcement per day (commencing no later than 5 business days of public notice of the acceptance of an application for filing).
- Online notices must appear on a station’s website for 30 consecutive days, (commencing no later than 5 business days of public notice of the acceptance of an application for filing). The “FCC Applications” link/tab must remain on a station’s home page at all times (even if the station has no pending applications).
This change is long overdue. To see the FCC’s decision click HERE.
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