FCC Increases Application and Filing Fees
On March 3, 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) issued an Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) addressing two fee-related items.
First, the Order amends the Commission's Schedule of Application Fees to adjust its fees for processing applications and other filings. Pursuant to statutory mandate, the Commission is required to review its fees biennially to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U). This latest increase reflects a 3.5 percent increase in the CPI-U, calculated from October 2007 to October 2009.
Some fee changes of interest to broadcasters include:
- License renewal applications for commercial full-power AM, FM and TV will increase from $170 to $175.
- Biennial ownership reports will remain at $60 per station.
- Minor change construction permit applications for commercial full-power AM, FM and TV will increase from $940 to $970.
- Long-form assignment and transfer applications for commercial full-power AM, FM and TV will increase from $940 to $970 per station.
- Short-form assignment and transfer applications for commercial full-power AM, FM and TV will increase from $135 to $140 per station.
The new fees will become effective 30 days after the Order is published in the Federal Register. CDBS, the Commission's electronic filing system, will automatically reflect most new fees when a broadcaster submits an electronic application.
Second, the NPRM seeks comment on the Commission's proposal to resolve an inconsistency in its rules regarding payment of long-form application filing fees by winning bidders in broadcast services construction permit auctions. Specifically, the Commission seeks to amend Section 1.2107(c) of its rules to clarify that high bidders need not submit an additional application fee along with their long-form applications.
Comments are due 15 days after the NPRM is published in the Federal Register. Reply Comments will be due 30 days after Federal Register Publication.
