Broadcasters Pushing Hard on Regulatory Fees

Electronic filings show a host of broadcast groups lobbying FCC commissioner offices over proposed increases to regulatory fees. NAB met with aides to Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and Commissioner Brendan Carr via teleconference last week. “Nothing prevents the Commission from implementing these decisions immediately,” NAB said, saying the agency’s NPRM on reg fees “does not suggest that the Commission lacks the authority to effectuate such changes in the current fiscal year. A contrary view would, among other things, render the NPRM a mere ‘notice,’ and not a proper rulemaking.” The State Broadcasters associations had calls last week with aides to Commissioner Geoffrey Starks and Rosenworcel raising the same arguments as their earlier filings (see 2208150055). Several individual broadcasters wrote letters to the agency, seeking fee relief. “The FCC’s regulatory fees are extremely punishing and directly affect our ability to serve listeners," said Bustos Media. “The FCC fees continue to increase at an alarming rate, and much faster than the revenues we are able to generate.” “I get hit pretty hard by these Regulatory Fees and the amount of increase is unexpected and difficult to account for,” said a letter from Ben Downs, general manager of Bryan Broadcasting. “I hope the Commission will see its way clear to consider the impact on small, local stations.” On Monday, 92 lawmakers sent Rosenworcel a letter questioning the proposed fees (see 2208150055).