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

For Immediate Release

FCC MODERNIZES BROADCASTER NOTIFICATION RULES FOR CABLE AND SATELLITE TV PROVIDERS
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WASHINGTON, January 30, 2020—The Federal Communications Commission today modernized its notification rules for cable and satellite TV providers by transitioning certain notices to broadcast TV stations from paper to electronic delivery.  

FCC rules require that cable and satellite TV providers provide written notice to local TV stations before taking certain actions.  For example, cable operators must provide notice to TV broadcasters before launching service in a new market or deleting or repositioning a broadcast station within its channel lineup.  Similarly, satellite providers must give notice prior to retransmitting certain stations or launching new services into a market.  

The new rules adopted today will require that cable and satellite TV providers use email to deliver covered notices to local TV stations—consistent with recent updates to the FCC’s carriage election notice rules.  For stations that maintain an online public inspection file, notices will be emailed to the same inbox that the station uses for communications relating to its election of must carry/retransmission consent status.  Stations that are not required to maintain such public files will receive notices at the general email address already provided in the Licensing and Management System under existing procedures.  

Today’s action will make the notification process more efficient, reduce paper waste, and is part of the Commission’s Modernization of Media Regulation Initiative to eliminate or modify media regulations that are outdated, unnecessary or unduly burdensome.

Action by the Commission January 30, 2020 by Report and Order (FCC 20-8).  Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr, Rosenworcel, and Starks approving.  Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr, and Rosenworcel issuing separate statements.

MB Docket Nos. 19-165, 17-105

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Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / TTY: (888) 835-5322 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 

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).