FCC rejects requests to lower radio regulatory fees

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rejected requests from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and various state associations to mitigate upcoming regulatory fee increases for AM and FM stations. Following a rise in the agency’s operating budget, the total FY 2026 regulatory fee collection is set at $416,112,000, a 6.6% increase from FY 2025.

For AM and FM operators, station fees will rise between 2.19% and 3.32% based on class and market population, with the most significant increases affecting stations in large markets. Additionally, AM Radio Construction Permits will increase to $585 and FM Radio Construction Permits to $1,025.

The FCC also denied efforts to prevent a substantial hike in earth station fees, which will rise by 44.2% to $2,970 per authorization. This increase is driven by a nearly 19% growth in the Space Bureau’s revenue requirement. The Commission maintained that these adjustments follow its established methodology and rejected requests to raise the de minimis threshold to $1,200.