By Radio News Now Staff
The FCC adopted its fiscal-year 2026 regulatory-fee order on August 26, increasing the total amount the commission must collect to approximately $416.1 million from $390.2 million in FY2025.
The exact obligation for an AM or FM station depends on service class and population served. Industry calculations place many radio increases in roughly the 2.19% to 3.32% range. Operators should confirm their own amount through the FCC’s fee system and the final payment public notice.
The practical issue is timing. Regulatory fees must be collected before the federal fiscal year ends, and small operators should not wait for the payment window to open before setting aside the cash, confirming their FRN information or determining whether a waiver or installment request may be necessary.
Operator checklist
- Confirm the licensee’s FRN and CORES access now.
- Calculate each station’s expected fee from the adopted schedule.
- Monitor the FCC for the payment deadline and filing instructions.
- Seek legal or accounting advice early if hardship relief may be required.