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Fcc Details Radio Rules On The Chopping Block Insideradio Com

Leo Migdal
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fcc details radio rules on the chopping block insideradio com

The Federal Communications Commission is poised to eliminate 98 outdated or redundant broadcast rules in what it describes as a major step toward modernizing its regulatory framework. In a document released ahead of its Aug. 7 meeting, the FCC is laying out which rules will be targeted in the Delete, Delete, Delete proceeding (GN Docket No. 25-133), many of which have been deemed irrelevant due to changes in technology and industry practices. The targeted rules span analog-era requirements and duplicative policies that the FCC says no longer serve the public interest. Among those slated for repeal are instrumentation mandates for broadcast stations, authorization rules for stereo transmission, and outdated international broadcast terms.

The Commission also proposes to scrap more than two-dozen rules that merely reference now-outdated policy statements or court decisions. “These rules regulate obsolete technology, are no longer used in practice by the FCC or licensees, or are otherwise outdated or unnecessary,” says a fact sheet accompanying the proposed rule changes. Among the most relevant for radio broadcasters are instrumentation and transmission-related rules. They include: The FCC says these rules no longer reflect current practice or necessity. It says modern broadcast equipment and remote monitoring tools have rendered these technical instrumentation mandates obsolete.

Next iteration of ‘Delete’ initiative targets outdated broadcast policies WASHINGTON, August 7, 2025 – The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday repealed 98 rules and requirements, part of its ongoing effort to clean out regulations deemed ‘obsolete’ from the agency’s rulebooks. “Today's action will remove 71 rule provisions, including 98 rules and requirements, 12 pages and over 5000 words from the FCC rule books,” Chairman Brendan Carr said at the FCC’s August Open Meeting. “We take aim today at broadcast service rules… that are outdated or otherwise no longer serving the public interest.” Many of the eliminated rules predate digital broadcasting and were rooted in the analog era, no longer reflecting how broadcasters transmit, monitor, or report today. Still, Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez concurred in part and dissented in part, citing concerns with the process used to eliminate the rules.

There's a whole community behind your FREE membership... Gomez dissented on deregulation initiative, but 2—1 commissioner majority gave it a nod A packed room and a busy agenda of items on the docket set the stage for the Federal Communications Commission’s July open meeting, where it passed all six of its proposed initiatives. Among the items the FCC approved included an update to bidding rules to enable the upcoming auction of AWS-3 spectrum licenses, as well as removing existing rules that Chairman Brendan Carr deemed as “outdated... We summarized the proceedings. You can also watch the meeting below.

As Radio World has covered, the confirmation of Olivia Trusty, a Republican, last month gave the GOP a 2–1 majority in the commission with Chairman Carr. Anna Gomez is the lone Democrat commissioner on the panel, which has two vacant seats. All three commissioners were present for the meeting. The modernization of radio’s regulatory rulebook that began under the prior administration continues at the Federal Communications Commission. It is slated to approve a half dozen changes at the Commission’s February meeting, in what Chair Jessica Rosenworcel says is a “cleaning up” of the broadcast radio rules. Join the World’s Largest Association of Christian Communicators

PO Box 77704Washington, DC 20013 USAPhone: (202) 543-0073 Some not-so-scary news for this all hallow’s eve morning. You’ll recall the FCC adopted an NPRM at the open meeting this week that could bring MASSIVE changes to the TCPA. But one change we will NOT be seeing is the end of the internal DNC rules. TCPAWorld readers know the original version of the NPRM put the Internal DNC rules on the chopping block. NO MORE INTERNAL DNC?: FCC Considering Rule Change to Allow Businesses To Keep Marketing to Consumers After They Opt Out

https://lnkd.in/gPwpX5-W Summary: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to eliminate 98 outdated or redundant broadcast rules as part of a regulatory overhaul called the “Delete, Delete, Delete” proceeding (GN Docket No. 25-133). The goal is to modernize FCC rules by removing analog-era and duplicative policies that no longer serve the public interest due to technological and industry changes. Key Highlights: Rules targeted for repeal include mandates for analog broadcast equipment (like AM/FM instrumentation requirements), stereo transmission authorizations, and outdated international broadcasting terms. Examples of obsolete rules include: §73.58 and §73.258: Require AM/FM stations to use specific instruments—now obsolete due to modern equipment. §73.297: Relates to stereo broadcast authorization, no longer necessary.

§73.1695 and §73.1710: Regulate transmission standards and 24-hour operation—both now standard practice. The FCC also plans to eliminate entire sections (73.4000–73.4280) that merely cite outdated policy statements (e.g., on payola, political broadcasting, and cigarette ads), as their substance is covered elsewhere in current rules. Additional Actions: Blank rule sections and legacy international broadcast terms (like “sunspot number”) will also be scrapped. In total: 43 rule sections, 28 sub-definitions, and 28 legacy reference rules would be removed, amounting to over 5,000 words across 12+ pages. Implementation Process: The FCC is using a “direct final rule” approach: if no significant objections are filed within 10 days after the vote (scheduled for Aug. 7), the changes will take effect 60 days after Federal Register publication.

If specific objections arise, only the challenged rules will undergo further review. Bottom Line: The FCC’s move aims to streamline broadcasting regulations by cutting obsolete rules with no impact on modern operations. However, industry stakeholders will have a brief window to comment on any rule they believe still holds value. CRTC FCC Opens Review of Broadcast Ownership Rules The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to advance its quadrennial review of broadcast ownership rules, launching a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to gather public comment... By law, the FCC must review certain broadcast ownership rules every four years to determine whether they continue to serve the public interest in light of competition and technological change.

The agency began the current review in December 2022 with a Public Notice seeking input on whether the three major ownership rules should be retained, modified, or eliminated. The NPRM will focus on the Local Radio Ownership Rule, which limits the number of stations one entity may own in a market, and the Local Television Rule, which restricts ownership of more than... The Commission is asking whether these rules promote competition and local service or if they hinder broadcasters' ability to adapt and remain viable. The FCC is also seeking comment on the Dual Network Rule, which bars mergers among the four major broadcast networks. Regulatory Winds Shifting for Broadcast Internet The FCC and the Future: Unlocking Broadcast Internet’s Potential The FCC provided the keys to unlock a new era of 5G Broadcast Internet connectivity, but the legacy broadcast... As Chairman of Castanet, I foresaw a world where content flows freely to every smartphone, tablet, and car — without gatekeepers.

A world where traditional broadcasting and the Internet converge. Thanks to Chairman Brendan Carr creating the FCC’s Broadcast Internet rules published on December 10, 2020 we are now fully authorized to revolutionize how the public can consume the internet streaming media that already... We now have the power to universally bridge the geographic and economic digital divides to make access to digital media truly ubiquitous. We’re at the cusp of a seismic shift, but the path is still evolving. The FCC is clearly focused on improving the future of broadcast television in the US. The dominant incumbent full power broadcasters have enjoyed a profitable relationship with the cable industry providing retransmission consent payments to ensure stable cash flows.

However, given the rapid decline of the linear television cable industry, the negative direct impacts on broadcasters going forward are challenging. The cable industry will continue to enjoy a solid business as Internet Service Providers for fixed access in their markets. However, given the public’s demand for data intensive services to their smart phone devices the market will demand a new 5G Broadcast Internet service to emerge. Castanet 5G has developed the hybrid approach that seamlessly integrates 5G Broadcast services over the FCC authorized ATSC 3.0 based Broadcast Internet technology. Castanet 5G is engaging with TV licensees, media owners and distributors and ISPs of all types to join with us to create the 5G Broadcast Internet future. If you want to explore how this regulatory moment could transform your business?

Let’s talk. Reach out to us to discuss the future of 5G Broadcast Internet during NAB East this week in New York. The revolution is coming — be part of it. Audacy’s Infinity Networks announced a new content distribution partnership with CBS News Radio, bringing over 700 radio stations to the Infinity Networks ecosystem. https://lnkd.in/gfmqAHHn Summary of Article: "Rule change also allows AM stations to simulcast content on a trial basis" by Randy J. Stine (Published: October 15, 2025) The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has introduced major regulatory changes to support and modernize terrestrial radio broadcasting: Open-Ended Licenses: #Radio broadcast licenses in Canada will now be...

This aims to reduce administrative burdens and save broadcasters time and money. AM-to-FM Simulcasting: AM stations can now simulcast their content on FM frequencies within the same market for a one-year trial. After that, they must either stop simulcasting or apply to revoke their AM license. Easier Market Entry: The CRTC is simplifying the licensing process for new “developmental” stations and for stations transitioning from low to full power. Compliance Monitoring: Despite ending regular renewals, the CRTC will enforce compliance through ongoing simplified audits. Canadian Content Rules: The recent changes do not include adjustments to Canadian content (CanCon) music quotas.

A separate public hearing will be held to review those rules. This move aligns with similar efforts in the U.S., where the FCC is reviewing its radio ownership and regulatory frameworks. “The very words ‘hardcopy,’ ‘paper’ and ‘inspection file’ are enough to make an increasingly digital citizenry yawn,” quips Pai We told you this one was coming, and now the FCC has taken the expected step — bringing us closer to the day when commercial broadcast stations no longer must maintain any kind of... At its May meeting, the Federal Communications Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking raising the question of whether it should continue to require commercial TV and radio broadcast stations to maintain letters and... We reported that this was coming earlier this month.

The change ultimately is expected to win approval. [Read our May 5 story “Your On-Site Public File Is Nearing Extinction”] Recall that in January the commission ruled that radio (as well as cable and satellite radio) must move most of its public files to an online database, as TV had been required to do... But correspondence files are not part of that online transition, for privacy reasons, leaving broadcasters still required to keep some paperwork in a public file and — often the sticking point — to provide... This new proposal would eliminate outright the need for commercial TV and radio to maintain a physical, local public file. The law firm of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman has supported the change on behalf of state broadcast associations.

In anticipation of this notice, it wrote earlier this month, “Stations will no longer have to grant access to an individual just because he knows the ‘open sesame’ phrase of American broadcasting: ‘I’m here...

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