Media Contact: 
Neil Grace, (202) 418-0506
neil.grace@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC PROPOSES TO ELIMINATE PAPER FILING 
REQUIREMENT FOR BROADCAST STATION CONTRACTS
Action is Part of the FCC’s Modernization of Media Regulation Initiative
 
WASHINGTON, January 30, 2018 — The Federal Communications Commission today 
adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that tentatively concludes that the Commission 
should eliminate the decades-old requirement that broadcasters routinely file paper copies of 
station contracts and certain other documents with the Commission.  
Since the late 1930s, the Commission has required broadcasters to submit copies of certain 
contracts and documents relating to ownership and operation of broadcast stations.  Typically, 
stations either mail or hand deliver paper copies of these documents to the Commission.  The 
documents are then made available to FCC staff and the public via the Commission’s public 
reference room.     
Today’s Notice tentatively concludes that the Commission should eliminate the paper filing 
requirement for these documents, relying instead on the FCC’s existing public file rules.  The 
public file rules require licensees and permittees to make these documents available for public 
inspection by either (i) retaining copies of these documents in their public files or (ii) 
maintaining an up-to-date list of such documents in their public files and providing copies to a 
requesting party within seven days.  For international broadcast stations, which do not have 
public file obligations, the Notice proposes to eliminate the paper filing requirement but retain 
the Commission’s ability to obtain the documents upon request.
This is the fifth rulemaking stemming from the FCC’s Modernization of Media Regulation 
Initiative launched in May 2017.  The initiative’s goal is to reduce unnecessary regulation that 
can impede competition and innovation in media markets.
Action by the Commission January 30, 2018 by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 18-8). 
Chairman Pai, Commissioners Clyburn, O’Rielly, Carr and Rosenworcel approving.  Chairman 
Pai, Commissioners Clyburn, O’Rielly and Carr issuing separate statements.
MB Docket No. 18-4; MB Docket No. 17-105 
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Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275
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).