FCC Proposes 13% Hike in 2022 Regulatory Fees

MAB Washington Counsel David Oxenford shares news that the FCC, in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, has proposed a 13% increase in the annual fees paid by radio stations. NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt issued a statement saying, “The FCC’s regulatory fee proposal subjects local radio broadcasters to a staggering 13% fee increase from last fiscal year. Unfortunately, the Commission continues to unlawfully require broadcasters to subsidize the Commission’s broadband activities. For these local stations that are still recovering from the pandemic and face unique economic challenges in today’s media landscape, such an unjustified increase is devastating and risks undermining the unique locally focused service that our communities rely upon. NAB stands ready and willing to work with the Commission to ensure a fair and lawful payment regime.”

Public comments on the proposed fees are due July 5, 2022, reply comments by July 18.  The annual fees are due by September 30.