FCC Deletes 71 Broadcast Rules

The Federal Communications Commission voted Thursday to eliminate 71 broadcast rule provisions, encompassing 98 regulatory burdens deemed outdated or irrelevant to the public interest. 

These rules, part of FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative, include obsolete requirements for analog technology, instrumentation mandates, stereo transmission authorizations, and 24/7 broadcasting permissions no longer reflective of current industry practices. 

The repeal will remove 5,117 words—approximately 12 pages—from the FCC rulebook, including redundant references to policies on payola, plugola, political broadcasting, children’s television, and cigarette advertising, as well as four blank “reserved” provisions.

Carr emphasized simplifying or eliminating outdated regulations to better serve the public. The FCC is using a “direct final rule” process, allowing changes to take effect 60 days after Federal Register publication unless significant opposition is filed within 10 days, prompting review of contested rules.

Commissioner Olivia Trusty supported the move, noting that clearing outdated rules fosters innovation. 

However, Commissioner Anna Gomez opposed eliminating substantive rules without public comment, though she supported removing less critical explanatory references to outdated policies and court decisions from 1979.