FCC Repeals 98 Antiquated Rules and Regulations
Next iteration of ‘Delete’ initiative targets outdated broadcast policies
WASHINGTON, August 7, 2025 – The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday repealed 98 rules and requirements, part of its ongoing effort to clean out regulations deemed ‘obsolete’ from the agency’s rulebooks.
“Today's action will remove 71 rule provisions, including 98 rules and requirements, 12 pages and over 5000 words from the FCC rule books,” Chairman Brendan Carr said at the FCC’s August Open Meeting. “We take aim today at broadcast service rules… that are outdated or otherwise no longer serving the public interest.”
Many of the eliminated rules predate digital broadcasting and were rooted in the analog era, no longer reflecting how broadcasters transmit, monitor, or report today. Still, Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez concurred in part and dissented in part, citing concerns with the process used to eliminate the rules.
“I cannot support the elimination of substantive rules pursuant to these procedures,” began Gomez. “That said, certain of the rules being removed in this process today are not substantive rules. Rather, they are explanatory rules that reference citations to agency rules and court orders by topic, solely for the purpose of reference and convenience.”
“The referenced rules date back to 1979 and have not been kept up to date for some time,” Gomez said. “Accordingly, I concur in the order with regard to the removal.”
Rules eliminated
Some of the rules eliminated Thursday include:
§ 73.1710 – Unlimited Time
This rule, adopted in 1978, allowed broadcast stations to operate 24 hours a day. Once relevant for distinguishing daytimers from full-time stations, the rule became redundant as around-the-clock broadcasting became standard.
§ 73.58 – AM Modulation Monitoring
This rule, dating back to 1976, mandated AM stations use analog equipment to monitor modulation levels. With the shift to digital transmitters and remote telemetry, the requirement no longer reflects how stations operate today.
§ 73.297 – FM Stereo Monitoring
This rule, adopted in 1983, required certain analog monitoring for FM stereo transmissions. Like other technical rules targeting legacy equipment, it has been eclipsed by software-based monitoring systems.
A process dispute
Although Gomez ultimately supported removing what she called ‘non-substantive’ rules, she dissented in part, sharply criticizing the agency’s use of direct final rulemaking to eliminate longstanding rules without seeking public input.
“It is clear from the text of the order that the agency heard some of the concerns that were raised at the July meeting and made modifications in an attempt to address them,” she said. “My process concerns, however, remain.”
“The procedures implemented last month and used again today to erase rules adopted pursuant to notice and comment were put in place without seeking public comment on appropriate processes and guardrails,” she detailed.
The repeals made Thursday stem from a rulemaking adopted at the FCC’s July open meeting. The FCC concluded that public notice and comment were unnecessary in advance due to the antiquated nature of the rules.
Once rules were repealed and published in the Federal Register, the public has 10 days from publication to submit comments. Absent any significant adverse comments, the rules will automatically be repealed.
Thursday’s repeal was part of what the FCC has dubbed its “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative – a recurring effort to eliminate outdated rules on a monthly basis. The FCC has committed to identifying and removing obsolete regulatory provisions at each open meeting, with the goal of modernizing its rulebook and reducing compliance burdens.
“As technology continues to evolve and consumer behavior shifts, legacy regulations often remain on the books long after their moment has faded,” said Republican Commissioner Olivia Trusty. “This item targets some of those relics.”
Member discussion