The Federal Communications Commission has closed 2,048 inactive proceedings, the largest number of dormant dockets ever terminated in a single proceeding. But a few radio-related items that it had originally planned to end will instead remain open. That includes proceedings focused on the long-term future of AM radio and whether FM translators can originate programming.
The Commission effort began in May, when the Chair Brendan Carr took aim at more than 2,000 official proceedings that were identified as inactive or moot. That included 56 dockets in the Media Bureau. Most proceedings were related to specific station situations, with some dating back to 1986.
In an order released Wednesday by the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, most have been axed. But the list does not include the AM revitalization proceeding (MB Docket No. 13-249). Bureau Chief Eduard Bartholme says that after consultation with the Media Bureau, they have determined it is one of nine proceedings that “are not good candidates for termination” at this time.
The AM revitalization effort began in 2013, and under former Chair Ajit Pai the FCC greenlit proposals to allow digital-only AM stations, relaxed simulcast rules, and made a series of technical changes such as eliminating the AM “ratchet” rule that limited power. It also relaxed community coverage standards and brought updates to nighttime interference rules. Additionally, the effort voted to do away with the main studio rule, which helped all stations, but also worked to convince some operators to keep AMs on the air. But with little action taken in recent years, the FCC had proposed bringing down the curtain on the rulemaking, The decision to keep it open suggests the current administration is examining new moves to help AM operators.
Several radio groups—including Bryan Broadcasting, Mid-West Management, Multicultural Radio Broadcasting and Way Broadcasting Licensee—had urged the FCC to keep the docket open until it resolved what to do about expanded-band (1605-1705) AM stations. They have been waiting for answers on whether the agency still wants broadcasters to decide whether to turn in AM licenses for each of the regular band stations they are associated with, a decision that has been pending for two decades.
The FCC will also keep open a proceeding (RM-11858) that is examining whether to allow FM translators and booster stations to originate programming. The Commission last year greenlit use of translators to create geo-targeted programming, and by keeping the docket open it may be poised to further relax its restrictions on translators and boosters.
The Cromwell Group urged the FCC to keep it open saying several proposals remain unresolved, including technical changes for translators, and to give four-letter call signs to translators.
Another of the nine proceedings the FCC has decided to keep open is one from 2007 (MB Docket No. 07-294) that looks to improve ownership diversity in broadcasting.
The nearly two-decade effort has examined various proposals to increase participation by new entrants, especially minority- and women-owned businesses, with the goal of promoting competition.
But other rulemakings are now closed, including suggested revisions to political programming and record-keeping rules (MB Docket No. 21-293). A proposal to update FM directional antenna performance verification rules (MB Docket No. 21-422) has also been terminated.
“This is the just the latest example of good governance here at the FCC,” said Carr. “By closing dormant proceedings, the FCC can help provide the regulatory certainty needed for investments and deployments in communities across the country.”
The dormant docket effort is distinct from the FCC’s ongoing Delete, Delete, Delete initiative (GN Docket No. 25-133), which seeks to identify outdated and overly burdensome regulations that should be repealed.