Kathryne C. Dickerson

Kate is a dynamic, results-focused advocate with significant, in-depth experience representing communications, space, technology, and media industry clients before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other federal agencies, as well as international regulators such as Ofcom. Kate practices at the intersection of law, innovation, regulation, and policy, advocating for clients in regulatory and rulemaking proceedings, enforcement, and transactional matters. Drawing on more than a decade and a half of experience, Kate delivers practical solutions that advance the goals of clients working and innovating in heavily regulated sectors. 

Kate represents NGSO and GSO satellite operators and other clients pursuing new and novel uses of spectrum before the FCC, including in spectrum allocation proceedings and licensing matters. She also provides counsel to commercial and noncommercial broadcasters on a wide range of regulatory and technical issues as well as assignments, transfers of control, and other transactional matters. For all of her clients, Kate provides expert advice regarding compliance with, or waivers of, existing rules, and develops and implements effective advocacy strategies for achieving rule changes through the federal notice-and-comment rulemaking process. 

Representative Matters

• Represented Nexstar Media Group in obtaining FCC approval for its $7.2 billion acquisition of Tribune Media Company, creating the country’s largest local television broadcaster and media company.
• Developed regulatory and advocacy strategies for satellite operators in the FCC’s multi-year proceeding to reallocate C-band spectrum for 5G use.
• Regularly authors written comments, petitions, and other pleadings in complex proceedings before the FCC; routinely meets with FCC staff to advocate on behalf of clients.
• Advocates on behalf of broadcast and satellite clients in a variety of rulemaking proceedings, including those related to spectrum reallocation.
• Counsels media clients on issues related to programming and advertising content, including broadcast and social media contests; lottery, tobacco, and alcohol advertising; indecency; political advertising; closed captioning; and children’s programming. 
• Advises commercial and non-commercial broadcast station licensees and media investors on a wide range of FCC regulatory compliance matters, including initial licensing, facilities modifications, assignments and transfers, ownership and attribution rules, EEO, and sponsorship identification.
• Counsels non-commercial broadcasters on underwriting, fundraising, and contests.
• Represents clients in FCC enforcement actions; assists clients in responding to FCC inquiries and notices of violation as well as viewer complaints.
• Assists broadcast and corporate clients with mergers and acquisitions and related transactional matters, including due diligence and contract drafting.

Professional Experience

• Research Assistant, Professor Vicki Jackson, Georgetown University Law Center (Summer 2006)
• Paralegal Specialist, U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Domestic Security Section (2003-2005)
• Legal Intern, U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Office of International Affairs (Summer 2002)

Affiliations

• Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA)
  • Co-Chair, Mass Media Committee (2017-Present)
• American Bar Association
• Women’s Bar Association
  • Co-Chair, Communications Law Forum (2016-2020)

Recognitions

• Recognized in The Legal 500 US as a "Recommended Lawyer" in Telecom and Broadcast: Regulatory (2024)