Broadcasters must disclose foreign ties in paid content under new transparency rules by December 8.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) finalized a compliance timeline earlier this month for new rules requiring broadcast stations to identify foreign government-sponsored programming. The rules mandate that radio and TV licensees verify whether their lessees act on behalf of foreign governmental entities with compliance required by December 8, 2025.
Licensees can meet this requirement through FCC-provided certifications or federal database checks, with annual re-verification for long-term agreements. These updated regulations comply with a 2022 court ruling that called for revisions to a 2021 FCC order, created to address concerns over programming from sources like Radio Sputnik.
The rules apply to issue advocacy and public service announcements sponsored by foreign principals, regardless of religious or non-political content, but do not cover standard commercial advertisements.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Anna Gomez as they await future commissioners’ confirmation.
- For members of the Senate as they consider nominees to the FCC.
- For the president as he appoints individuals to federal positions.
Sources: Radio and Television Business Report, Federal Register
