FCC Codifies Improved Foreign Ownership Review Processes
Clarity of Requirements Supports Both Foreign Investment and Security Reviews
   
WASHINGTON, January 29, 2026—Today, the Federal Communications Commission codified foreign ownership review requirements to maintain strong national security review processes while providing greater clarity for foreign investment.  The agency’s long-standing foreign ownership review has helped protect against national security risks when reviewing increasingly complex ownership structures for FCC license holders, namely broadcast, common carrier wireless, and aeronautical licensees.  Today’s action codifies many of those processes to ensure its foreign ownership requirements are clear and consistent, and to streamline the review process.

The Commission has long recognized that foreign investment plays an important role in innovation, job creation, and U.S. economic growth.  The agency is also committed to protecting against risks and threats to national security, law enforcement, and trade policy.  The Report and Order adopted today provides greater clarity and streamlined review processes to support investment while maintaining its prioritization of security concerns.

These new rules codify the policies and practices that the Commission has developed over the last decade to review complicated ownership structures under its Section 310(b) rules.  The Commission today adopted clear definitions and concepts underlying its foreign ownership rules.  These clarifications will assist filers in providing the relevant information in their initial filings, minimize the need for supplemental filings, and promote efficient and shorter processing times of Section 310(b) petitions.

Under Section 310(b), the Commission reviews foreign ownership in broadcast, common carrier, aeronautical mobile, and aeronautical fixed radio station licensees.  These reviews are led by the FCC’s Office of International Affairs and, in cases of broadcast licenses, its Media Bureau.  The process is triggered when a filer submits a petition for declaratory ruling under Section 310(b) for approval to exceed the aggregate foreign ownership benchmarks or for any foreign individual and/or entity to hold certain equity and/or voting interests.  The staff reviews these petitions prior to completion of any ownership changes involving foreign entities. 

Action by the Commission January 29, 2026 by Report and Order (FCC 26-3).  Chairman Carr, Commissioners Gomez and Trusty approving.  Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty issuing separate statements.

GN Docket No. 25-149

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