The FCC’s Media Bureau will expedite regulatory procedures in an effort to get media outlets back on the air in the areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
Requests for special temporary authority (STA) pursuant to Section 73.1635 of the commission’s rules may be submitted by informal letter or e-mail. FM, television and low-power television stations also may file requests electronically through the Consolidated Database System (CDBS). Such requests will be handled as expeditiously as possible.
The Media Bureau said it waives the requirement that licensees in the affected area notify the commission within 24 hours of the commencement of operations employing set-up of temporary antennas. If a licensee desires to continue to use an emergency antenna, it must submit a request for STA within 10 business days of commencement of operations, the FCC said.
The FCC will also extend the deadline for FY 2005 regulatory fees from 11:59 p.m., Sept. 7 to 11:59 p.m. Sept. 28.