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FCC Cuts Red Tape in Areas Hit by Katrina

Sep 5, 2005  •  Post A Comment

To help broadcasters affected by Hurricane Katrina get back on the air as soon as possible, the Federal Communications Commission last week announced that stations can erect temporary transmission antennas without awaiting the usual agency approval.

At the same time, the agency waived a requirement that broadcasters notify the agency within 24 hours of resumed operation, and put off for 90 days some of its technical requirements to help cable TV systems restore service.

Agency licensees affected by Katrina also will be able to put off payment of their annual agency regulatory fees until Sept. 28, according to the FCC. The fees were supposed to be paid by Sept. 7.

Because of the hurricane disaster, some members of Congress ended their summer recess early and returned to Washington last week to begin work on emergency legislation. The lawmakers passed a $10.5 billion disaster relief effort.