In an effort to help broadcasters affected by Hurricane Katrina get back on the air as soon as possible, the Federal Communications Commission has announced that stations can erect temporary antennas without the usual agency approval. At the same time, the agency waived a requirement that broadcasters notify the agency within 24 hours of the resumed operation.

The FCC also announced that it has waived for 90 days some of its technical requirements to help cable TV systems restore service. Agency licensees affected by Katrina will also be able to put off payment of their annual agency regulatory fees until Sept. 28, according to the agency. The fees were supposed to be paid by Sept. 7.

In the hurricane’s wake, federal lawmakers were expected to end their summer recess early, returning to Washington by Friday to begin work on emergency legislation that would provide victims with at least $10 billion in aid.