On March 15, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s broadcast sponsorship identification requirements for leased programming provided by foreign governmental entities, adopted almost a year ago, will go into effect. The new rules, summarized here, were previously delayed in their effectiveness as a result of the need for review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). An FCC News Release and Federal Register notice issued today announces that the FCC has received OMB approval.

As of March 15, 2022, broadcasters are legally required to comply with the new rules. The reasonable diligence and disclosure requirements apply to all programming broadcast pursuant to a lease that is entered into on or after March 15. With respect to existing arrangements, compliance with the new rules is required within six months, by September 15, 2022.