Deregulatory Initiative and Procedural Framework
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has circulated a draft Direct Final Rule under MB Docket No. 25-133 and GN Docket No. 25-133 titled 'In re: Delete, Delete, Delete.' The draft item was released for tentative consideration ahead of the Commission's August 7, 2025 open meeting.
The proceeding implements deregulatory directives reflected in Executive Order 14192 ('Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation') and Executive Order 14219 ('Ensuring Lawful Governance And Implementing The President’s ‘Department Of Government Efficiency’ Deregulatory Initiative'). Under the draft Direct Final Rule, the Commission identifies 71 rule provisions containing 98 individual rules and requirements across 47 CFR Parts 2 and 73 that regulate obsolete technologies, are no longer utilized by the FCC or licensees, or are otherwise unnecessary.
Invoking the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. § 553(b)(B), the FCC made a finding of good cause that standard notice and comment procedures are unnecessary because the targeted modifications represent routine determinations inconsequential to the industry and the public.
- Docket Numbers: MB Docket No. 25-133 and GN Docket No. 25-133.
- Document Number: FCC-CIRC2507-08.
- Scope: 71 rule provisions and 98 broadcast rules and requirements proposed for repeal.
Specific Broadcast Rules Identified for Repeal
The draft item amends Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations by removing obsolete provisions across AM, FM, TV, international broadcast, and general broadcast operational categories.
The targeted regulations include Subpart M of Part 2 (§ 2.1400) concerning advance approval of subscription TV systems, which became obsolete following the elimination of analog broadcast television. Within Part 73, multiple technical and operational rules are scheduled for removal, alongside an extensive catalog of informational policy reference listings that no longer reflect current agency rules and policies.
- 47 CFR Part 2: Subpart M (§ 2.1400) removed and reserved (subscription TV system approvals).
- Indicating Instruments: Removal of §§ 73.58 (AM), 73.258 (FM), 73.558 (NCE FM), and 73.688 (TV).
- Stereophonic Sound Authorizations: Removal of §§ 73.297 (FM) and 73.597 (NCE FM).
- General Broadcast Operations: Removal of § 73.1695 (transmission standard changes) and § 73.1710 (24-hour operation authorization).
- International Broadcast Stations: Removal and amendment of definitions and technical rules in §§ 73.701, 73.702, 73.713(d)-(e), 73.760 (alternate main transmitters), and 73.765 (operating power calculations).
- Informational Reference Policies: Complete removal of §§ 73.4000 through 73.4280, which contain obsolete reference lists, outdated policy primers, and empty reserved sections.
Direct Final Rule Mechanism and Effective Dates
Under the direct final rulemaking mechanism, the rule changes will be published in the Federal Register and become effective 60 days after publication unless significant adverse comments are received within 10 days of publication.
The Commission will treat any comment as significant adverse if it demonstrates that the direct final rule would be inappropriate, ineffective, or unacceptable without change. In the event significant adverse comments are filed against the rule or a specific subset of the rules, the Media Bureau or the Office of International Affairs (OIA) will issue a timely withdrawal in the Federal Register for the affected provisions before initiating standard notice-and-comment procedures.
- Comment Deadline: 10 days after publication in the Federal Register via the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS).
- Effective Date: 60 days after Federal Register publication if no significant adverse comments are filed.
- Ex Parte Status: Governed under permit-but-disclose procedures until 10 days after Federal Register publication, with further filings prohibited after that date.
Regulatory Determinations and Filing Instructions
The Commission concluded that the draft Direct Final Rule contains no new or modified information collections subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and imposes no burden on small businesses under the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002. In coordination with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within the Office of Management and Budget, the rule has been classified as 'non-major' under the Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. § 804(2).
Parties submitting paper comments must deliver an original and one copy to the Commission Secretary, addressed according to delivery method at either 9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 (for hand delivery, messenger, and commercial overnight) or 45 L Street, NE, Washington, DC 20554 (for U.S. Postal Service First-Class, Priority, or Express Mail).
- Media Bureau Contact: Kathy Berthot, Policy Division, (202) 418-7454, Kathy.Berthot@fcc.gov.
- Office of International Affairs Contact: Brandon Moss, Global Strategy and Negotiations Division, (202) 418-2213, Brandon.Moss@fcc.gov.