Media Contact: 
Janice Wise (202) 418-8165
janice.wise@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC PROPOSES TO ELIMINATE TWO PUBLIC INSPECTION FILE REQUIREMENTS, 
REDUCING REGULATORY BURDENS ON COMMERCIAL BROADCASTERS AND CABLE 
OPERATORS
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2016 – The Federal Communications Commission today proposed to eliminate 
two public inspection file rules.  These rules currently require: (1) commercial television and radio 
broadcast stations to retain, and make available to the public, copies of correspondence from viewers and 
listeners; and (2) cable operators to maintain and allow public inspection of the location of a cable 
system’s principal headend.   
The Commission adopted online public file rules for broadcast television licensees in 2012, moving 
television public files that previously were retained at stations’ local main studios to an online, 
Commission-hosted database.  TV broadcasters completed their transition to the online file in July 2014.  
Modernizing the filing process made it easier for consumers to access information about their broadcast 
services without having to travel to the station’s main studio and reduced the cost of broadcaster 
compliance.  Last January, the Commission expanded the move to online filing to cable, radio and 
satellite operators. 
Today’s proposal furthers the Commission’s recent progress in modernizing its public inspection file 
rules.  The proposed elimination of these rules will reduce regulatory burdens on commercial broadcasters 
and cable operators without adversely affecting the general public.  Removing these requirements also 
would enable broadcasters and cable operators to make their entire public inspection file available online 
and permit them to cease maintaining local public files.  
While it appears that the general public does not need access to it, principal headend information must be 
made available to certain entities, including the FCC and local television stations.  The NPRM asks for 
comment on how this information should be collected and made available to entities that need it.
Action by the Commission May 25, 2016, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 16-62). Chairman 
Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and O’Rielly approving and issuing separate 
statements. 
MB Docket No. 16-161
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Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
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www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes 
official action.  See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).