Two U.S. House representatives have introduced bipartisan legislation to accelerate FCC reviews of radio station mergers and acquisitions by imposing a strict "shot clock" on the agency's decisions.
The bill, known as the Keep It Moving Act, was introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) in late February 2026. It would codify and enforce a timeline—generally aligning with the FCC's existing informal 180-day guideline—for the agency to act on license transfer and assignment applications involved in radio M&A deals.
If the FCC fails to meet the deadline (with limited exceptions), applicants could petition a court to compel action, potentially forcing approval within a short window like 72 hours. Denials or referrals to hearings would require a formal vote by FCC commissioners.
The legislation arrives at a pivotal moment for the radio industry, as expectations rise for potential deregulation of broadcast ownership caps under the current administration and FCC leadership. The agency is nearing resolution of its long-pending 2022 Quadrennial Review of media ownership rules, which could loosen restrictions on how many stations a single entity can own in a market or nationally.
If those caps are relaxed, faster FCC reviews would facilitate more consolidation, allowing radio groups to pursue larger deals more quickly and with less regulatory uncertainty.Industry support has been strong.
NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt endorsed the bill as "common-sense and long-overdue," emphasizing that timely FCC action ensures local broadcasters can receive fair hearings and continue serving communities effectively.
Rep. Pfluger highlighted the bill's alignment with broader FCC modernization efforts led by Chairman Brendan Carr, aimed at encouraging investment, reducing costs, and expanding access in communications.
While the bill focuses on license transfers tied to M&A, its implications could extend to broader broadcast transactions, helping streamline processes amid a shifting regulatory landscape for radio. The proposal reflects ongoing bipartisan interest in reducing administrative delays at the FCC.