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Monday, July 8, 2024

Radio Duplication Rules Return August 2

 


On August 2, the FCC’s FM radio duplication rule will be reinstated. This rule applies to commercial FM stations in the United States. Here are the key points:

Duplication Threshold: The rule prohibits FM stations from duplicating programming beyond a 25% threshold. In other words, stations cannot air identical content for more than 25% of their broadcast week.

Grace Period: For licensees exceeding the duplication allowance, there’s a six-month grace period that runs until February 3, 2025.

Waivers: Licensees can request waivers of the reinstated rule. While the FCC encourages submitting waiver requests by the end of October, it’s not a strict deadline. Until a waiver request is denied, stations can continue duplicating beyond the 25% limit.

Background: The rule was eliminated for both AM and FM services in 2020 but has now been restored by the current Democratic majority at the FCC. The National Association of Broadcasters opposed its reinstatement.

The rule prohibits duplication of FM programming beyond a 25% threshold. The FCC eliminated the rule for both AM and FM services in 2020, when the agency had a Republican majority, but the Democratic majority now has restored it. The National Association of Broadcasters opposed the reinstatement.

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