FCC Proposes To Decrease Regulatory Fees

The FCC has proposed to decrease annual AM and FM radio regulatory fees for the second year in a row.

This move is part of the FCC’s strategy to align fee collection with its $390,192,000 budget while adapting to changes within the agency1. Broadcasters have until October 1 to pay their annual fees, following a public comment period ending on July 29. Late payments may result in additional charges, and pending applications could be delayed. 

Here are the proposed regulatory fees for this year:

• AM stations: $0.10 per $1,000 of assessed value
• FM stations: $0.15 per $1,000 of assessed value

Additionally, the FCC is reconsidering a 1993 policy that assumes broadcast stations that are dark or silent are experiencing financial hardship and therefore merit a regulatory fee waiver without needing to provide evidence. 

Moving forward, the FCC proposes requiring all stations requesting fee waivers to submit detailed financial documentation to demonstrate actual financial hardship. The proposal also revisits fees for various service providers, including space and earth station operators, reflecting broader shifts within the regulatory landscape and previous fiscal reallocations.