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ARTICLE · 26 FEBRUARY 2026

New FCC Rules Codify Foreign Ownership Requirements For Section 310(b) Licensees

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The FCC issued a new Foreign Ownership Report & Order aiming to ensure clear reporting of foreign ownership by Section 310(b) licensees, including broadcast, common carrier, and aeronautical fixed and aeronautical...

United StatesInsolvency/Bankruptcy/Re-Structuring
Jennifer Richter
Jennifer Richter
Sean T. Conway
Sean T. Conway
Steven Rowings
Steven Rowings
Virginia Hiner Antypas
Virginia Hiner Antypas
Halie Peacher
Halie Peacher
Sharanya Sriram
Sharanya Sriram
Alexandra Van Cleef
Alexandra Van Cleef
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Key Takeaways

  • The FCC issued a new Foreign Ownership Report & Order aiming to ensure clear reporting of foreign ownership by Section 310(b) licensees, including broadcast, common carrier, and aeronautical fixed and aeronautical enroute licensees.
  • The new rules clarify the requirements and streamline the process for requesting a declaratory ruling to allow foreign ownership exceeding the statutory foreign ownership limits.
  • Guidance is provided for identifying the controlling U.S. parent; reporting for LPs and LLCs; reporting for trusts and trustees; determining U.S. residency requirements for foreign investors; and filing remedial petitions.

Pursuant to Section 310(b)(4) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, foreign entities are prohibited from holding more than an indirect 25% equity or voting interest in a U.S.-organized entity that controls a Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) license unless the FCC determines that the

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