On Feb. 2, 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Report and Order revising certain of its rules for ex parte presentations to Commissioners and staff. In the Order, the FCC adopted many of the changes it first proposed one year ago (summarized in our previous advisory). The changes generally expand or clarify existing requirements to disclose meetings with FCC decision makers. With these revisions, the FCC intends to promote additional transparency and opportunity to be heard during the rulemaking process. The FCC also released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) asking for additional comment on whether ex parte notices should also contain corporate ownership disclosures.

The key changes from yesterday’s action are as follows...