Media Contact: 
Janice Wise, (202) 418-8165
janice.wise@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC PROPOSES TO STREAMLINE REAUTHORIZATION PROCESS 
FOR TELEVISION SATELLITE STATIONS 
Action is Part of the FCC’s Modernization of Media Regulation Initiative
 
WASHINGTON, March 22, 2018 — The Federal Communications Commission today adopted 
a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to streamline the process for reauthorizing 
television satellite stations when they are assigned or transferred in combination with their 
previously approved parent station.
Television satellite stations are full-power terrestrial broadcast stations that generally 
retransmit some or all of the programming of a commonly owned parent station.  Stations that 
the Commission has authorized as satellites are excepted from the broadcast ownership limits, 
most notably the local television ownership rule.  If a satellite station is assigned or transferred 
to another owner and the new owner wishes to continue operating the station as a satellite, the 
new owner must seek reauthorization, a process that currently requires the same evidentiary 
showing required for an initial authorization. 
Today’s Notice proposes to streamline this reauthorization process when a previously approved 
satellite station is assigned or transferred.  The Notice seeks comment on ways to reduce the 
costs and burdens of seeking a satellite reauthorization, for example, by requiring a 
certification process for applicants, while still retaining the Commission’s ability to ensure that  
reauthorizations are in the public interest.  The item also seeks comment on whether or not to 
apply any streamlined processes the Commission adopts to transactions involving a change in a 
satellite station’s parent.
This proceeding is the eighth rulemaking of the FCC’s Modernization of Media Regulation 
Initiative launched in May 2017 to reduce unnecessary regulation in the media marketplace.
Action by the Commission March 22, 2018 by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 18-34). 
Chairman Pai, Commissioners Clyburn, O’Rielly, Carr and Rosenworcel approving.  Chairman 
Pai, Commissioners Clyburn, O’Rielly, and Carr separate statements.
MB Docket No. 18-63; MB Docket No. 17-105 
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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).