Global Regulatory Intelligence

This document mainly covers an FCC request for public comments on radiofrequency (RF) exposure, together with a number of administrative and reporting requirements for broadcast stations.

The FCC is asking for further comments on three issues that were sent back for review by the U.S. Court of Appeals in Environmental Health Trust v. FCC.

The first issue relates to the FCC’s existing testing procedures for portable devices such as mobile phones. The Commission is reviewing whether the current methods used to check compliance with RF exposure limits are still appropriate.

The second issue concerns possible health effects of RF exposure. This includes the effect of RF radiation on children, possible long-term health impacts, and whether new technology or research since the previous review should affect the FCC’s current guidelines.

The third issue looks at the possible environmental effects of RF radiation.

The FCC is asking commenters to provide strong supporting evidence rather than simply submitting a large number of studies. People submitting comments should explain their relevant expertise and provide details about the research they rely on, including the study design, sample size, whether the results have been replicated, the use of control groups or blinding, long-term data, and how RF exposure was measured.

The FCC is also interested in the reliability of the studies referred to in the court case, particularly whether they provide evidence of non-cancer health effects at exposure levels below the FCC’s current limits. Comments should mainly focus on evidence that was already properly before the court in the Environmental Health Trust case.

The document also covers a number of reporting and record-keeping requirements for broadcast stations.

Stations are required to keep certain information in their online public inspection files. This includes certification that required local public notices were broadcast, which must normally be added within seven days of the final announcement.

Stations must also keep records of free airtime provided to political candidates for two years, as well as information identifying sponsors of material relating to political matters or controversial issues of public importance.

There are also requirements relating to foreign-sponsored programming. Stations operating under Section 325(c) permits must keep records showing compliance with § 73.1212(j)(6). This can include information such as the required disclosure, the programme name and the dates on which it was broadcast, which must be placed in the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS).

Non-commercial stations also have responsibilities relating to must-carry requests. They must keep their contact details up to date for carriage-related enquiries and retain copies of mandatory carriage requests for the period in which those requests remain valid.

Comments relating to the RF exposure proceeding are due by 22 October 2026.

The FCC is also reviewing the information collection titled Expanding the Economic and Innovation Opportunities of Spectrum Through Incentive Auctions under OMB Control No. 3060–1180. Comments on this information collection are due by 23 November 2026.