Federal Communications Commission FCC 18-20
STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER MICHAEL O’RIELLY
Re: Elimination of Obligation to File Broadcast Mid-Term Report (Form 397) Under Section 
73.2080(f)(2), MB Docket No. 18-23; Modernization of Media Regulation Initiative, MB Docket 
No. 17-105
Kudos are due to Chairman Pai and his staff for initiating this proceeding.  I originally targeted 
Form 397 when the Commission teed up its media modernization review, as a reform that was long 
overdue.  Form 397 requires simply a name and a copy of the annual EEO reports for the last two years.  
But, now that EEO reports are filed with the Commission in parties’ online public files, this form has 
been made irrelevant.  I am pleased to see that in today’s item the Commission tentatively concludes that 
Form 397 is no longer necessary.  This is the right outcome.  I look forward to reviewing the record for 
comments on whether and, if necessary, how best to address the covered station issue.