Wednesday, May 24, 2017

FCC's Proposed Budget Cuts Budget, Staff

The FCC's 2018 budget features cuts in staff and budget according to the Administration's final budget, released Tuesday (May 23).

According to MultiChannel News, the FCC said it was pleased to present its request for funds to repack and reimburse broadcasters, help close the digital divide, eliminate unnecessary regulations and regulatory "burdens."

The FCC is asking for $322,035,000 in budget authority from "regulatory fee offsetting collections."

The FCC actually funds its own operations through collection of those fees. That is a 5.2% cut from FY2017 levels exclusive of the $16,866,992 it is getting as a one-time funding of its move to a new headquarters.

The FCC also asks for $111,150,000 for 2018 to cover auction/repack-related expenses and future auction and spectrum-related activities, down 5% from FY 2017.

The FCC budget cuts 102 full-time employees (FTEs), from 1,550 to 1,448, a 6.6% decrease.

The FCC also cut $4 million from "travel, rent, contract services, supplies and materials, and equipment."

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