FCC Delays Auction of FM Broadcast Station Permits in Light of COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 25, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Public Notice announcing that it is indefinitely postponing Auction 106, which was to be an auction of construction permits for FM radio broadcast stations scheduled for April 28, 2020. The FCC took this action in order to protect the health and safety of FCC staff during the auction and to provide parties intending to participate additional time given the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Public Notice provides instructions for applicants to request refunds of their upfront payments, which were due on March 20, 2020. Applicants can either use the “Refund Form” icon in the FCC’s auction application system, which we recommend, or provide the following information to the FCC in writing:
- Name, address, contact, and phone number of applicant’s bank
- Automated Clearing House (ACH) ABA Number, which applicants should verify with their banks
- Account number to credit
- Name of account holder
- FCC Registration Number (FRN)
Written refund requests must be submitted by fax or email as instructed in the Public Notice. All applicants are encouraged to submit refund requests.
By the Public Notice, the FCC also dismisses all short-form applications filed for Auction 106 and lifts the rules governing prohibited communications.
The FCC will announce procedures for filing applications and other procedures to participate in Auction 106, once it can be rescheduled.
Should you have any questions about this Public Notice, please contact one of the attorneys listed on this alert.
