FCC seeks comments on updated electronic filing rules for international broadcast stations
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This notice asks the public to comment on the FCC’s updated paperwork rules for international broadcast stations. The main practical change is that several filings must be made through the FCC’s electronic IBFS system instead of paper or email, including applications for construction, licensing, renewal, frequency requests, program tests, and operational reports. It affects businesses and other for-profit entities that run or apply to run international broadcast stations. Companies using these forms should be ready to file electronically, use an FCC Registration Number, and review the deadline for comments, which is May 29, 2026.
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Key Changes
- Moves international broadcast filings into the FCC’s integrated IBFS electronic system, including Forms 309-IBFS, 310-IBFS, 311-IBFS, and 426.
- Adds or updates electronic filing requirements for frequency requests, seasonal schedules, program tests, renewals, operational changes, and outage reports.
- Seeks comment on reducing paperwork burden, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees.
Obligations
What this law requires
Applicants for international broadcast station construction, licensing, renewal, frequency coordination, program tests, and certain operational reports must file the relevant FCC forms electronically through the Integrated International Bureau Filing System (IBFS) rather than by paper or email.
Comments on the proposed information collection must be submitted to www.reginfo.gov and copied by email to [email protected] and [email protected], with the OMB control number included in the comments, for the comment to be considered.
Applicants using the integrated web-based IBFS filing program must use an FCC Registration Number (FRN).
Licensees and permittees must submit seasonal frequency requests electronically in IBFS at least six months before the start of each season, stating desired frequencies, hours, power, antenna gain, and antenna bearing.
Licensees and permittees must electronically inform the Commission in IBFS at least two months before the start of each season whether they will operate in accordance with the authorization or in another manner.