When the FCC looks to adopt new rules or policies through rulemaking proceedings or through other significant cases, there are often companies, associations and individuals trying to influence the decision on these matters. Such discussions with FCC decision makers are permitted, but the parties trying to influence the FCC's decisions must file notices in the Docket of the proceeding on which they were commenting, summarizing the discussions that were had, and the issues that were discussed. These notices are called "ex parte notices" and the rules dealing with the disclosure of the lobbying being done on these FCC issues are called the "ex parte" rules. The FCC has just issued a Report and Order that revises and updates those rules to require more detailed and frequent disclosures. Our Davis Wright Tremaine advisory on these updates is now available.

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