What StationWatch tracks
StationWatch covers the deadlines and public-file items listed below, using public FCC data only. It does not replace your own compliance checks.
What we track
- License renewal: renewal filing window and license expiration date (47 CFR 73.1020, 73.3539).
- EEO public file report: annual report dates for stations in employment units with 5 or more full-time employees (73.2080).
- Biennial ownership report: the filing deadline (73.3615), including current FCC date changes.
- Quarterly issues/programs lists: due dates (Jan 10, Apr 10, Jul 10, Oct 10), plus whether a matching file appears in the FCC online public file and when it was first uploaded (73.3526, 73.3527).
- Children's television programming report: TV stations only, due Jan 30.
- ETRS dates, for reference: Form One, the nationwide EAS test, Form Two and Form Three deadlines.
What we don't track or can't verify
Public FCC data can't show the following. You still need to handle these yourself:
- EAS logs and whether weekly/monthly EAS tests were received or sent.
- Tower lighting, painting and outage (NOTAM) compliance.
- Whether the political file is complete or on time.
- EEO headcount: we can't confirm whether your station actually has 5 or more full-time employees.
- ETRS filing status: ETRS has no public API, so we can't see whether your forms were filed.
- The contents of scanned PDFs or image-only files beyond what we can read automatically.
- Stations with special or individual extensions, waivers, or silent (off-air) status. Their dates may differ from what we show.
Data sources and refresh
Station and license data comes from the FCC LMS daily database download. Public file data comes from the FCC Online Public Inspection File. We refresh it nightly. This data was built Nov 10, 2026, 11:29 AM CT. For full details, see How we check.
StationWatch is not an official FCC site or service. It is built from public FCC data and is not endorsed or certified by the FCC. Information may be out of date. Always verify dates and filings with the FCC and your communications counsel. Status labels describe public data only, not whether any rule was violated. StationWatch is a monitoring aid, not a guarantee of compliance.