Fact Check: Merger reviews by the FCC can take up to 180 days.

Fact Check: "Merger reviews by the FCC can take up to 180 days."

What We Know

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established an informal timeline for reviewing applications related to the transfer of control and assignment of licenses, particularly in the context of mergers. According to the FCC, they aim to complete their review process within 180 days after the public notice of the application is issued. This timeline is intended to enhance transparency and predictability in the review process (source-1, source-2).

However, it is important to note that while the FCC strives to meet this 180-day goal, various factors can lead to delays. These include requests from parties involved to "stop the clock," which can occur for reasons such as awaiting additional information or external events impacting the review (source-1, source-3). The FCC's statutory obligation to ensure that any transfer or assignment serves the public interest takes precedence over this informal timeline (source-3).

Analysis

The claim that "merger reviews by the FCC can take up to 180 days" is accurate but requires clarification. The 180-day period is not a strict deadline but rather an informal benchmark that the FCC aims to meet. The agency has stated that while it endeavors to complete reviews within this timeframe, the actual duration can vary significantly based on the complexity of the application and any external factors that may arise (source-1, source-2).

Additionally, there have been instances where the FCC has paused the review process, as seen in high-profile cases like the T-Mobile and Sprint merger, where the review clock was stopped to accommodate further information gathering and public comment (source-7). This indicates that while the 180-day timeline is a goal, it is not guaranteed, and the review process can extend beyond this period under certain circumstances.

The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the primary information coming directly from the FCC's official communications and guidelines. The FCC is the authoritative body overseeing these reviews, and their documentation provides a clear understanding of the process and its potential variances.

Conclusion

The claim that "merger reviews by the FCC can take up to 180 days" is Partially True. While the FCC does aim to complete reviews within this timeframe, various factors can lead to delays, and the actual duration may exceed 180 days depending on the specifics of each case. Thus, while the statement reflects a general practice, it does not account for the complexities and potential extensions that can occur during the review process.