Media Contact: 
Janice Wise, (202) 418-8165
janice.wise@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC ELIMINATES MAIN STUDIO RULE
Action Will Further Reduce Regulatory Burdens and Costs for Broadcasters
  --
WASHINGTON, October 24, 2017—The Federal Communications Commission today 
eliminated the broadcast main studio rule.  The Order retains the requirement that stations 
maintain a local or toll-free telephone number to ensure consumers have ready access to their 
local stations.
The main studio rule, adopted nearly 80 years ago, currently requires each AM radio, FM radio, 
and television broadcast station to have a main studio located in or near its local community.  The 
rule was implemented to facilitate input from community members and the station’s participation 
in community activities.  
The Commission recognizes that today the public can access information via broadcasters’ online 
public file, and stations and community members can interact directly through alterative means 
such as e-mail, social media, and the telephone.  Given this, the Commission found that requiring 
broadcasters to maintain a main studio is outdated and unnecessarily burdensome.  
Elimination of the main studio rule should produce substantial cost-saving benefits for 
broadcasters that can be directed toward such things as programming, equipment upgrades, 
newsgathering, and other services that benefit consumers.  It will also make it easier for 
broadcasters to prevent stations in small towns from going dark and to launch new stations in 
rural areas.    
Action by the Commission October 24, 2017 by a Report and Order (FCC 17-137). Chairman Pai, 
Commissioners O’Rielly and Carr approving. Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel 
dissenting. Chairman Pai, Commissioners Clyburn, O’Rielly, Carr and Rosenworcel issuing 
separate statements.
MB Docket No. 17-106
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
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. Cir. 1974).