The government is increasing rates for UHF stations. Under an order of Congress, the FCC has approved a regulatory increase for UHF stations, while most VHF stations are getting a fee cut.
For UHF stations in top-10 markets, the new fee is $17,775, a 12 percent increase from fiscal 2003. A 26 percent increase — $16,175 — applies to markets 11-25. Markets 26-50 will increase 15 percent to $9300, while markets 51-100 are up 12 percent to $5550. All remaining markets go to $1650, an increase of 16 percent.
For VHF stations, an increase applies only to stations in the top-10 markets. The new fee is $60,350, a 15 percent increase. Fees for the rest of the VHF stations will decrease between 3 percent and 9 percent.
Overall, the commission will charge $273 million in regulatory fees from all of its licensees, up 1.5 percent from 2003.