Media Contacts: 
Janice Wise, (202) 418-8165                                 
janice.wise@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC GIVES NONCOMMERCIAL STATIONS GREATER FUNDRAISING 
FLEXIBILITY
Relaxed Rule Helps Noncommercial Broadcasters Support Other Non-Profits 
WASHINGTON, April 20, 2017 – The Federal Communications Commission today voted to relax its 
third-party fundraising restrictions to permit many noncommercial television and radio stations to air 
limited fundraisers for the benefit of other non-profit organizations.  
Noncommercial educational broadcasters (NCEs) – such as public and religious broadcasters – have long 
been free to solicit funds to support their own operations, including through program-length fundraising 
events.  However, until now, such broadcasters could only conduct on-air fundraising for third parties if 
they received an FCC waiver or the fundraising activity did not alter or suspend regular programming.  
Historically, waivers were temporary and given only after a crisis or natural disaster.  
Today’s action relaxes these rules to permit NCEs to devote up to one percent of their annual airtime to 
fundraising for third-party organizations that qualify as tax-exempt non-profits under Section 501(c)(3) of 
the Internal Revenue Code, without having to first seek a waiver from the FCC.  This will allow NCEs to 
raise money for worthy causes, such as disaster relief and assistance for the poor, while educating their 
audiences about important issues.  Stations that engage in this type of fundraising can only be reimbursed 
by the third party for their expenses directly related to the fundraiser. NCEs will also have to run on-air 
disclosures explaining that they are raising money for a third-party.  These clear limits aim to protect the 
unique noncommercial and educational nature of public broadcasting.  
Additionally, the new rules exempt NCEs that receive funding from the Corporation for Public 
Broadcasting (CPB).  These stations argued in the public record of this rulemaking that they are in a 
different position from other NCEs and would not benefit from this additional flexibility.  Today’s action 
brings to a close a rulemaking effort started in 2012.
Action by the Commission April 20, 2017 by Report and Order (FCC 17-41). Chairman Pai and 
Commissioner O’Rielly approving. Commissioner Clyburn concurring. Chairman Pai, Commissioners 
Clyburn and O’Rielly issuing separate statements.  
MB Docket No. 12-106
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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. Cir. 1974).