FCC pauses biennial ownership report filing requirements for full-service stations
Stations will not be required to file a biennial report this year. New and transferring stations are still required to file non-biennial reports. LPFM stations are not required to file reports.
The following news is not applicable to LPFM stations.
Citing concerns raised by broadcast commenters in the Delete Delete Delete proceeding, the Federal Communications Commission has announced through public notice, that there will be an 18-month pause on biennial ownership reports.
Biennial ownership reports are filed by full-service FM stations and other broadcast stations once every two years by December 1 of every odd numbered year. They just provide an update to the FCC of the station’s ownership structure.
Therefore, there will be no requirement this year for full-service stations to file the biennial report by December 1, 2025.
Non-biennial reports must still be filed. The FCC public notice does not affect the need to file non-biennial ownership reports, pursuant to §73.3615 of the rules. Non-biennial ownership reports must be filed at these times:
Within 30 days after the grant of an original construction permit.
On the date when a new station files their first license to cover application.
Within 30 days of consummating an assignment of license or transfer of control.
Again, THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO LPFM. The system does allow for the filing of ownership reports by LPFM entities, but it is not required. Entities that only have FM translators (as well as LPFM entities that also own translators) are also not required to file ownership reports.
Any questions about ownership reports can be directed to REC.