FCC Adopts Streamlined Application Notice Procedures
Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted an order that will streamline and modernize its rules governing broadcaster-generated public notices of applications. The revised rules make application notices more consistent across services and application types, permit broadcasters to provide shorter on-air notices on a reduced and more flexible schedule and replace the current print newspaper notice requirement with online notices. Specifically, stations will conspicuously place an "FCC Applications" link or tab on their home pages that brings users to the text of the notice, which includes a link to the application.
Although the FCC's original draft order would have required broadcasters to place the "FCC Applications" tab or link at the top of each station's home page and place application notices in their mobile apps, NAB and other broadcasters worked closely with the Commission to ensure that the final order did not include these burdensome mandates.
Other key aspects of the new rules include:
- On-air notices must air a total of six times on weekdays between 7 a.m.-11 p.m. at least once per week for four weeks, with no more than one announcement per day and commencing no later than five 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 five 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.
- Rules will take effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.