One big thing: Momentum is building for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Last week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee included the bill in its surface transportation package – a major step forward.
At the committee markup, several members of Congress spoke powerfully about AM radio’s essential service to local communities and its critical public safety role.
Now we need a full-court press over the next several weeks to help get this bill across the finish line.
We are asking every station to do three things right now:
đź“» Put AM radio spots in heavy rotation between now and August: Air thank-you spots for lawmakers who have cosponsored the bill. If your member of Congress has not yet cosponsored, please run spots urging them to support the legislation. (Requires a PB-19).
Customizable spots, scripts and social media assets are available in NAB’s AM Radio Toolkit for stations.
2. Foreign Sponsor ID Updates – FCC Suspends Expansion of Diligence Mandates to Ads/PSAs, Reminds Broadcasters to Comply with Heightened Diligence Standards
What’s happening: NAB and individual broadcasters worked closely with FCC staff to secure certain relief from the foreign sponsorship identification rules in a Public Notice released this week. The relief substantially reduces burdens on broadcasters and provides additional time to work toward a more reasonable compliance framework.
Heightened Diligence Standards Effective June 7, 2026. Since 2022, FCC rules have required disclosure of certain foreign government sponsored programming aired pursuant to a lease, along with diligence steps to determine whether a lessee is a foreign governmental entity.
In a 2024 Order, the FCC changed its rules to require stations to undertake additional diligence steps (i.e., a station's choice of certifying compliance and making requests for lessee certifications OR requesting lessees to provide screenshots from a government database to document their status). Compliance was delayed pending Office of Management and Budget approval and later extended by the Media Bureau. In a Public Notice released this week, the FCC reminded broadcasters that it will enforce these new requirements beginning on June 7, 2026.
Expansion of Diligence to Ads/PSAs Suspended Until Further Notice or 2028. The 2024 Order also expanded the scope of the rules beyond leases to include certain advertising, including political issue advertising and paid public service announcements (PSAs). The only exemptions were for: (i) advertising for commercial products and services and (ii) candidate advertising.
In this week’s Public Notice, however, the FCC announced that enforcement of these expanded requirements will be suspended for two years — or until further notice, whichever comes first — while the agency evaluates the costs and burdens associated with the rules.
Although the expansion is suspended, broadcasters with actual knowledge that the sponsor of an ad or PSA is a foreign governmental entity must still air the required foreign sponsorship identification disclosures.
Compliance considerations: Stations may comply with the heightened diligence requirements in several ways, including by:
Using FCC-supplied forms available in Appendices C-D of the 2024 Order
Modifying agreements with lessees or sponsors to include language similar to the FCC forms
Using the NAB Airtime Lease Form
An updated Airtime Lease Form will soon be available in the Member Tools section of the NAB website.
Next steps: NAB will continue engaging with the FCC as the agency reviews these rules and evaluates their burdens and benefits.
Broadcasters seeking guidance on how the FCC’s foreign sponsorship identification and record-retention requirements apply to specific circumstances should consult station counsel or contact the NAB Legal and Regulatory Affairs department at legal@nab.org.
3. Gloria Gaynor to Perform at 2026 Service to America Awards
The ceremony, which honors broadcasters for their outstanding commitment to public service, will be held in Washington, D.C., on June 9 at The Anthem.
4. Deadline Extended: Don’t Miss Your Chance to Enter the NAB Marconi Radio Awards
Good news: the nomination deadline for the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards has been extended to Tuesday, June 2, giving stations and personalities two additional days to submit their entries for one of radio’s most prestigious honors.
The NAB Marconi Radio Awards recognize the stations, personalities and teams whose talent, creativity and impact continue to set the standard across radio. If your station delivered standout programming, memorable on-air moments or exceptional content this past year, now is the time to make sure your work gets the recognition it deserves.
Winners will be honored this October in New York City during the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner held the evening before NAB Show New York.
🎙️ Don’t miss your chance to be recognized alongside the best in radio. Submit your entry today.
5. This Week on "AirTime:" AM Radio Gains Momentum
“AirTime” is NAB’s new weekly podcast delivering brief updates on the policy issues shaping broadcasting.
• This week’s episode breaks down last week’s major momentum for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act on Capitol Hill with NAB’s Nicole Gustafson.
🎧 Catch up: Listen to all available episodes here.
Dig deeper: Learn everything you need to know about where AM radio stands from the latest post on the NAB Blog.
6. New Teen Mental Health PSAs Available
Refresh your station’s public service announcement creative at NAB’s Spot Center, a destination for local television and radio broadcasters seeking public educational materials from credible organizations.
New TV spots from the Love, Your Mind campaign and the Ad Council focus on teen mental health.
7. NAB Membership: Advocacy, Expertise and Savings that Support Broadcasters
NAB membership means having a strong advocate for local television and radio in Washington, D.C., and access to resources designed to help your station operate smarter, stay informed and save money.
As the voice of broadcasters on Capitol Hill, at the FCC and in the courts, NAB works every day to protect and strengthen free, local broadcasting while providing members with tools and support that deliver value year-round.
Member benefits include:
Advocacy and policy resources that keep broadcasters informed and represented.
Access to NAB’s legal, technology and government relations hotlines.
Member deals discounts on travel, entertainment, hotels and more.
Industry resources and professional development opportunities.
Cost-saving programs and member-exclusive services.
đź’ˇ Click here to explore NAB membership resources, support and savings.
