Media Contact: Janice Wise, (202) 418-8165 janice.wise@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC ADOPTS STREAMLINED LOCAL PUBLIC NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR BROADCAST APPLICANTS New Rules Make It Easier for Consumers to Access Information WASHINGTON, May 13, 2020—The Federal Communications Commission has adopted new rules implementing a streamlined and standardized set of requirements for broadcast applicants to meet their local public notice obligations. Most significantly, the new rules will enhance public participation in the licensing processing and allow online notice rather than requiring costly printed notice in a local newspaper. When filing certain types of applications, such as for license renewal or transfers of control, television and radio applicants must give notice to the communities they serve to ensure that members of the public can participate in the broadcast licensing process. The current rule requires certain applicants to provide written notice in the print edition of a local newspaper, other applicants must broadcast on-air messages that announce the filing of an application, and some applicants must do both. With the new rules, the newspaper publication requirement is replaced by the requirement that a written public notice be posted online on a publicly accessible website that includes a link to the application. On-air notices will direct listeners and viewers to the Commission’s online databases where they can view and comment on the application. This will facilitate the public’s engagement in the licensing process. Today’s Second Report and Order simplifies public notice requirements and reduces the costs and burdens of the existing procedures. The order also standardizes the public notice requirements for on-air announcements, eliminates pre-filing announcements, and clarifies the local public notice obligations of international broadcast stations and low-power FM stations. ### Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / 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).