Get ready for quick turn-around on FCC fees

 - Payment options may shrink

Broadcast industry lawyers are counseling stations to be prepared for a short deadline to pay their FCC regulatory fees which are still pending final approval.

Commissioners are reportedly reviewing a proposed fee schedule.  Once the fees are adopted, the agency will publish another public notice setting the payment deadline.

The late timing of the fee adoption mirrors last year’s when the fees were adopted on Aug. 14 and the payment deadline was announced Aug. 23 for a Sept. 20 due date – late by historical standards.

This year, it appears the payment deadline may be around Sept. 23.  In addition, there are some indications that the FCC will not accept checks for payment this year – only credit cards and electronic or wire transfers.

David Oxenford, partner with Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP, has been monitoring the pending fee structure since the FCC issued is Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in June.

TAB will alert stations as soon as the FCC acts.

Questions?  Contact TAB's Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.