FCC to Delete 98 Outdated Broadcast Rules and Requirements

The Federal Communications Commission took action to repeal 98 broadcast rules and requirements that have been identified as obsolete, outdated, or unnecessary, including rules dating back nearly 50 years ago for technologies that have been far surpassed in the media marketplace. This marks the latest action in the Commission’s “In re: Delete, Delete, Delete” docket, which seeks public input on identifying FCC rules for the purpose of alleviating unnecessary regulatory burdens. This action repeals rule provisions identified primarily in the broadcast services section of the regulations that plainly do not serve the public interest any longer because they govern obsolete technology, rules no longer used in practice by the FCC or licensee, or rules that are otherwise outdated or unnecessary. The item repeals rules related to old technology that is no longer used, such as 1970s-era regulations dictating the kind of testing equipment radio stations are required to purchase.