Media Contact: 
Janice Wise, (202) 418-8165
janice.wise@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC PROPOSES TO UPDATE REPORTING AND NOTIFICATION 
REQUIREMENTS FOR BROADCASTERS
WASHINGTON, October 24, 2017 —The Federal Communications Commission today issued a 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposes to update two FCC rules to reduce regulatory 
burdens for broadcasters.   
Under the proposal, certain TV broadcasters no longer would need to file annual reports about so-
called ancillary or supplementary services.  These are services that some broadcasters provide 
using their spectrum in addition to their free, over-the-air television programming. Examples of 
ancillary or supplementary services include subscription video and data transmission services.
The FCC proposes that only broadcasters that earn revenue from the provision of ancillary or 
supplementary services, and that therefore must pay a fee to the FCC, would need to file annual 
reports going forward.  This obligation is consistent with the FCC’s responsibility to report to 
Congress annually on the amount of fees collected from those broadcasters.  
The FCC also seeks comment on whether to allow broadcasters to notify the public of broadcast 
license applications through the Internet, rather than through newspapers and over-the-air 
announcements as required under the FCC’s existing rules.  The FCC alternatively seeks 
comment on whether its broadcast application public notice rule should be eliminated. 
This is the second rulemaking that the FCC has begun as part of its Modernization of Media 
Regulation Initiative launched in May 2017.  The goal of that initiative is to reduce unnecessary 
regulation that can impede competition and innovation in media markets.  
Action by the Commission October 24, 2017 by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 17-138).  
Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr and Rosenworcel approving.  Commissioner 
Clyburn approving in part and concurring in part.  Chairman Pai, Commissioners Clyburn, 
O’Rielly and Carr issuing separate statements.
MB Docket No. 17-264; MB Docket No. 17-105; MB Docket 05-6
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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. Cir. 1974).