New Foreign Sponsorship Identification Rules Effective June 7, 2026

The Federal Communications Commission has confirmed that certain modifications to the foreign sponsorship identification requirements for broadcasters will become effective June 7, 2026. These rules for programming sponsored by foreign governmental entities were adopted in 2024 but implementation has been delayed twice.

New leased programming agreements and renewals of existing leases entered into on or after June 7, 2026 must comply with the rule modifications. Radio and television licensees have two options to demonstrate compliance. The first is for the lessee and the licensee to complete written certifications. The second is for the lessee to provide screenshots of federal government databases related to its ownership.

Importantly, the FCC has suspended (for two years) the compliance deadline as it relates to advertising – specifically issue ads and paid public service announcements. The 2024 Order determined that the foreign sponsorship identification rules applied to these types of materials. The FCC now says it needs additional time to evaluate the costs and burdens of compliance. The FCC noted, however, that if a broadcaster has actual knowledge that an advertisement or paid PSA is foreign-sponsored, the broadcaster must comply with the rules including the on-air disclosure requirement.

For more information about the foreign sponsorship identification rules, contact an attorney in our Media Practice Group.