FCC Initiatives · Empowering Local Broadcasters

Empowering Local Broadcasters

At the FCC, we are hard at work to empower local news, local reporting, and local journalists.

For the first time in more than 15 years, we are re-examining the relationship between the large, national programmers and the many local broadcast television stations.

We are unleashing new voices over the airwaves, supporting the transition to Next Gen TV and removing outdated broadcast regulations.

The public airwaves

One mast on a hill, and every home it reaches.

Our focus areas

Enforcing the Public Interest

Broadcasters are required by both the Communications Act and the terms of their FCC-issued licenses to operate in the public interest. The FCC’s broadcast hoax rule, its news distortion policy, its political equal opportunity regulations, its prohibition on obscene, indecent, and profane content, its localism requirements—all of those and more apply uniquely to broadcasters. In line with that precedent and tradition, the FCC will continue its efforts to empower local broadcasters to serve the public interest and meet the needs of their communities.

Opening the Airwaves

Unleashing new voices on the airwaves through construction permit grants for new noncommercial TV, FM, and low power radio stations, and by processing broadcast licensing matters, including license assignments, transfers, and renewals.

Accelerating Transition to Next Gen TV

Supporting the nation’s ongoing transition to Next Gen TV, known as ATSC 3.0. This new technology represents the future of broadcasting and promises to modernize the nation’s free and local over-the-air television service, which serves as a vital source of local news and information for many Americans.

Removing Broadcast Regulations

Removing broadcast rules and requirements that have been identified as obsolete, outdated, or unnecessary, including rules dating back nearly 50 years ago for technologies that have been far surpassed in the media marketplace.

The wire

13 headlines off the newsroom wire.

/// 01MAY 28 2026FCC Reminds Broadcasters of Their Public Interest Obligations
/// 02APR 22 2026Media Bureau Seeks Comment On TV Ratings System To Empower Parents
/// 03MAR 25 2026FCC Updates Obsolete and Unnecessary Broadcast Rules
/// 04MAR 19 2026FCC Empowers Local Broadcast TV Stations
/// 05FEB 25 2026Media Bureau Seeks Comment on Sports Broadcast Marketplace
/// 06FEB 20 2026Chairman Carr Announces Pledge America Campaign
/// 07DEC 18 2025FCC Provides LPTV Service Broadcasters Additional Regulatory Clarity
/// 08NOV 19 2025MB Seeks Comment on Market Dynamics of National Programmers/Affiliates
/// 09OCT 28 2025Fifth Next Gen TV Further Notice
/// 10JUL 24 2025FCC Approves Skydance’s Acquisition of Paramount/CBS
/// 11APR 11 2025Grant of Assignment and Top-Four Combination
/// 12APR 07 2025MB Seeks Comment on Petition for Rulemaking in NextGen TV Proceeding
/// 13MAR 11 2025Grant of KXLT-TV Assignment and Failing Station Waiver

Featured headlines

JAN 21 2026 · Public Notice

Bureau Provides Guidance on Political Equal Opportunities Requirement

The FCC’s Media Bureau herein provides guidance on the application of the statutory equal opportunities requirement See 47 U.S.C. § 315(a). Although section 315(a) is also commonly referred to as the “equal time” rule, it requires the provision of comparable time and placement, rather than the provision of identical airtime to opposing candidates.

JUL 29 2025 · Letter

Comcast and NBCUniversal’s Relationship With Local Affiliates

I have asked the FCC’s Media Bureau to examine Comcast’s relationships with its local broadcast TV affiliates—both owned and operated and independent stations—to ensure compliance with FCC regulations as well as the public interest standard.

Content transcribed from fcc.gov/empowering-local-broadcasters · A design demonstration, not an official FCC product

The flagship agendaBuild America Agenda ← All FCC Initiatives