Media Contact: 
Janice Wise, (202) 418-8165
janice.wise@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC ELIMINATES PAPER FILING 
REQUIREMENT FOR BROADCAST STATION CONTRACTS

Action is Part of the FCC’s Modernization of Media Regulation Initiative
 
WASHINGTON, October 23, 2018—The Federal Communications Commission today eliminated the nearly 80-year-old requirement that broadcasters routinely file paper copies of station contracts and certain other documents with the Commission.  

Broadcasters have been required to submit these paper filings since the 1930s.  Today, however, broadcasters have the option of either uploading these documents directly to their online public inspection file or maintaining an up-to-date list in of these documents in their online file and providing copies of the documents to requesting parties within seven days.  Thus, the routine paper filing requirement is redundant and unnecessary.  Eliminating these paper filings, and instead relying on the online public file rules, will reduce burdens on broadcasters while preserving transparency and ease of access to station documents for both the Commission and the public.       

Today’s Report and Order concludes the fifth rulemaking stemming from the Commission’s Modernization of Media Regulation Initiative.

Action by the Commission October 23, 2018 by Report and Order (FCC 18-145).  Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr, and Rosenworcel approving.  Chairman Pai issuing a separate statement.

MB Docket Nos. 18-4, 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).