2026 Broadcasters Regulatory Calendar
The Georgia Association of Broadcasters provides this summary of important regulatory and political broadcasting dates for 2026 to assist stations in staying compliant throughout the year.
Important: This summary is intended as a reference tool only. Stations should consult their legal counsel for guidance on specific compliance obligations.
2026 Overview- 2026 is expected to be a significant year for broadcasters, including:
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A major federal election cycle (entire U.S. House, one-third of the Senate, 36 gubernatorial races, and numerous state and local contests)
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Ongoing Lowest Unit Rate (LUR) political advertising windows
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SoundExchange royalty changes and reporting updates
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FCC regulatory fee payments
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Continued EEO, public file, and children’s programming reporting obligations
Because many compliance deadlines are now publicly visible in the Online Public Inspection File (OPIF), timely filing is more critical than ever.
Quarterly FCC & Public File Deadlines (All Stations)
The following deadlines apply to most full-power radio and television stations unless otherwise noted:
Quarterly Issues/Programs Lists
Upload to OPIF by:
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January 12, 2026 (covering Q4 2025)
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April 10, 2026 (covering Q1 2026)
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July 10, 2026 (covering Q2 2026)
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October 10, 2026 (covering Q3 2026)
Documentation Requirements (as applicable)
Due quarterly in OPIF:
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Class A TV continuing eligibility
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Noncommercial third-party fundraising documentation
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Foreign-sponsored programming disclosures
EEO Public File Reports (Radio & TV)
Annual EEO Public File Reports are due based on station employment unit location:
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February 2, 2026
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April 1, 2026
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June 1, 2026
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August 3, 2026
Certain states also trigger Mid-Term EEO Reviews in 2026. Stations should confirm eligibility requirements based on employment unit size.
Political Broadcasting & Lowest Unit Rate (LUR)
2026 is a major political year.
LUR Windows Open:
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45 days before primary elections
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60 days before general elections
Key National LUR Window:
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September 4, 2026 – LUR window opens for the November 3, 2026 General Election (all U.S. states and territories)
Stations must provide candidates the lowest unit rate offered to commercial advertisers for the same class and amount of time during the window.
Because municipal and special elections vary by state and can change, stations should confirm all local election dates.
SoundExchange & Streaming Royalty Deadlines
Commercial broadcasters who stream must:
Monthly:
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File Report of Use
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Submit Monthly Statement of Account
Beginning in 2026, payments for many broadcasters are due 30 days after the end of each month (instead of 45 days).
Annual Minimum Fee:
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January 31, 2026
- $1,100 per stream (pending CRB approval)
Children’s Television Programming (TV Only)
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January 30, 2026
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Annual Children’s Television Programming Report (Form 2100, Schedule H)
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Annual Certification of Compliance with Commercial Limits in Children’s Programming
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Audible Crawl Rule Compliance (TV)
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May 27, 2026
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Compliance deadline unless further FCC action occurs
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Foreign Sponsorship Identification Requirements
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June 7, 2026
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Stations must comply with foreign sponsorship identification rules
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FCC Regulatory Fees
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September 2026 (Exact Date TBD)
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Annual FCC regulatory fees must be paid before the start of the federal fiscal year (October 1).
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Additional 2026 Deadlines to Monitor
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Daylight Saving Time begins: March 8, 2026
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Copyright Royalty Board filings for certain TV programming: July 31, 2026
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Ongoing filing freezes affecting Class A TV, LPTV, and translator stations (January and March periods)
Important Reminder
Because FCC deadlines and political calendars can change, broadcasters should:
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Monitor FCC Public Notices
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Confirm local election dates
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Regularly review their Online Public Inspection File
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Consult legal counsel regarding compliance obligations
If you would like a downloadable version of the full 2026 Regulatory Calendar or have questions regarding compliance requirements, please click the button below.
