The FCC has released its new proposal requesting comments on the regulatory fees for 2024. The fees are based on operating costs. As a result of arguments presented by broadcasters last year, the FCC revised its approach to assessing regulatory fees.
As a general matter, the FCC proposes to reduce TV station fees by approximately 15.4% from last year. Proposed radio station annual regulatory fees will see a decrease between 4.9% and 6.1%.
The FCC seeks comment on whether to end its presumption that silent stations are entitled to fee waivers without providing evidence of financial hardship. It is proposed that, beginning in 2025, such stations will be required to document their inability to pay. Fees are generally due in late September before October 1st, which is the first day of the Federal Government’s fiscal year.
The proposed regulatory fees for television can be found in Appendix F, which begins on page 63 of the FCC’s proposal. Proposed radio fees can be found on page 112 of the FCC’s proposal.
You can access the FCC’s proposal regarding regulatory fees here.