DIRS has been activated in select counties in TN,and MS. Reporting is voluntary but stations are encouraged to report their status prior to 9AM EST for the previous day while the county remains activated. For more information, see the REC Disaster Information Page.

Government Shutdown Survival Guide

01/26/2026 9:20 AM ET

We are on the cusp of another potential government shutdown. This shutdown would be a partial shutdown as some agencies, such as Agriculture, VA, Interior, Energy, Justice and Commerce had funding legislation already enacted.

This means that a shutdown would most likely impact the Federal Communications Commission.

If this FCC shutdown goes the same way that the previous shutdown did, we will not have any processing of applications nor will staff be available. We will lose various systems including LMS, ULS and OPIF. Some systems may remain up, such as CORES. The shutdown will likely not impact auction activity at the FCC. There is currently no broadcast related auction activity taking place at the agency.

We do expect that the FCC Open Meeting on February 18, where there will be a vote on the Public Notice regarding the Reserved Band FM Translator filing window will still take place, a vote taken and the item being adopted. We are not aware of any delays related to the publication of the adopted item into the Federal Register.

Due to REC's "bonnet on" policy, we will be making no statements regarding the merits of any issues under political contention that are causing or prolonging the shutdown. As always, our hearts are with the federal employees and the families who will be directly impacted by the shutdown.

Here was our systems advisory from the last shutdown that can hopefully shed some additional light on how systems will behave in the event of a shutdown:

10/03/2025 7:35 AM - NETWORK UPDATES ---

(This is how things went during the previous shutdown.)

ULS: The FCC has kept the Universal Licensing System (ULS) inquiry functions (i.e. to look up ULS handled licenses, antenna structure registrations, etc.) up and running, however the ability to electronically file applications through ULS is not available. We are assuming that this also impacts the batch filing system that is used by amateur radio volunteer examiner coordinators. The database for ULS has not been updated since 10/1. We are keeping our update services to ULS offline until the shutdown is over.

CONTOURS API: The FCC also has not interrupted service on the Contours API. This is good news for us as we have several services (FCCdata, myLPFM, toybox and internal applications) that are dependent on the API for contour mapping and HAAT measurements. We note that if there is a disruption in the Contours API, you will see messages that appear on many of the services that use that API to warn of a disruption.

FCC.TODAY: REC has completely suspended fcc.today for the duration of the shutdown and users are being redirected to an outage message. The Licensing Management System (LMS), which is used for broadcast applications was suspended by the FCC for the shutdown. This includes the ability to look up applications directly in LMS. You can still look up applications in FCCdata, but links to FCC resources, such as actual applications, exhibits and authorizations is not available. On applications involving engineering (that appear on the left side), clicking the [Application Details] button may show a bunch of information from the application that may help you during the shutdown.

URGENT REQUESTS FOR LMS/CDBS DATA ELEMENTS: Please note that our eLMS system does read most non-engineering applications for FM, AM and TV including some of the application details and we do collect most data elements contained within the four-corners of the application. While we store this data in eLMS, we don't have a self-service method of displaying all of that data. If you have a critical need for data that was on a particular LMS handled broadcast application (we don't have exhibits, authorizations or correspondence), please contact REC and if possible, we can do a manual search. A donation in connection with such a search is always appreciated (donations are always appreciated!). If you need more details about an application that was originally filed in CDBS (file number beginning with a "B"), you can try our CDBS Historic Search at cdbs.recnet.com. While we do not keep exhibits, we do have an extensive collection of correspondence (letters to and from the FCC, decision documents, etc.) on the CDBS-filed applications. Like with LMS/eLMS, if you need some kind of raw data research, please contact REC to see what we have. Serious requests only. Thank you. Just as a reminder, we do have the raw LMS data dump on the shutdown page and historic CDBS raw data is available on the historic CDBS site.

ETRS: Those who have already contacted REC for ETRS filing, we have your requests. We note that ETRS is still operational however it is still set with the current deadline of 10-3-2025. We are expecting an extension of that date, pursuant to 47 CFR §1.4(e) of the Commission's Rules. We will once again accept requests for new ETRS filings. We note that we will not be sending invoices during the shutdown. However, if you do request ETRS from REC, you must be prepared to pay any invoice nearly immediately after receiving as any deadline extension may not be that long. Please send requests to lpfm@recnet.com and PLEASE include the word ETRS somewhere in the subject line so it can be easily screened (we do get a lot of spam, lists, etc.)

THE ADVICE IS FREE: If you have any questions on anything that is within our purview, please contact lpfm@recnet.com. The advice is always free, but donations are appreciated.

WE ARE THINKING OF THE FEDS: Broadcasting and the FCC only works, not because of the partisian politics (from both sides) at the top, it's because of the career federal employees, many of whom have worked through multiple administrations at 1600 and still provide the same top level expertise regardless of who sits on the FCC Bench. Right now, many of these employees are furloughed and even for those considered "essential", they are not getting paychecks right now. We are thinking about our federal partners and hopefully soon, we can all be back to work. These employees have families. This is not vacation.

System Availability

01/30/2026 - 9:30AM ET - From REC Networks:

We are not yet aware if the shutdown will reach the FCC's Contours API (in some past shutdowns it didn't). If the shutdown does reach the Contours API, we will lose many services that depend on real time data from the API. These services include, but are not limited to:

FCCdata maps for TV stations, FM advanced contour maps, contour maps for non-US broadcast stations.
myLPFM - mapping, encroachment reports, translator interference reports, HD reports and other functionality.
Elevation Check Tool
Height Above Average Terrain Tool
PREMIS
Undesired to Desired Ratio for Translator into LPFM Interference
The ability for REC to internally develop contour maps using our internal contour plotter. We can still make contour maps using third-party ComStudy II software, but our ability to make the "nice" maps will be unavailable during a shutdown.

Some tools that are on the FCC website that may not be available do have standalone versions that will be available through REC Networks. These tools include:

TOWAIR - Use REC Runway Slope (confirm with TOWAIR after the FCC is restored)
Curves Calculator (is just as authoritative as the FCC version)
FM Model (is just as authoritative as the FCC version)
NADCON (if the one at NOAA becomes unavailable - please verify coordinates with the original site when NOAA is restored).

Deadlines and filing windows

Filing deadline date calculations are addressed in §1.4 of the rules. Specifically, the rules state that a holiday is considered any Saturday, Sunday or federally recognized holiday. In addition, holidays are also considered any day that the FCC is closed due to inclement weather or other conditions and does not re-open prior to 5:30PM on that day.

In the event of a government shutdown, expect your due dates for filing to be the end-of-day of the day that the Commission reopens. We do note that the individual FCC bureaus may extend those deadlines to meet the specific needs of their bureaus. Licensees and permittees should be mindful of those public notices. REC will attempt to make note of such extensions through our various channels including social media. REC can't stress any further that any filings that can be done without the need to reference shut-down systems should be ready to go on the day the government reopens. For form filings (including licenses to cover construction permits), you must wait until the government reopens before the filing systems are accessible again. Until then, make sure you have your TPOs and other parameters properly calculated and all exhibits prepared so the filing process will be go through fast. Of course, you can use REC for your filings and let us deal with that.

Emergency STAs

2023: If a broadcast station needs an emergency special temporary authority (STA) that involves life and property, the emergency number for the FCC is (202)418-1122.

Enforcement

2023: While there have been a lot of comments made throughout social media, most of them hopefully jokingly, stating that because of the shutdown, there will be an increase in out of compliance operations, we do note that the FCC plans to keep 17 employees on staff to protect life and property including staffing the High Frequency Direction Finding Center. An additional 4 employees will be retained to provide oversight or conduct interference detection, mitigation and disaster response operations wherever they are needed. Specific employees may be recalled from furlough if the need requires.

During a shutdown, all rules and statutes still apply. It's not a time when you can cuss on the air, carry commercials (if you are non-commercial), pirate or run excessive power (all of which have been discussed in social media). Because of broadcasting's Emergency Alert System requirements, any interference to broadcast stations could be viewed as a safety of life situation. Remember, Charlie may be closed but Charlie is still watching.

Updates

01/30/2026 9:30 AM ET ~ REC is monitoring the situation regarding a potential for a government shutdown. At this time, we advise folks NOT to reach out to FCC staff to ask what will happen in the event of a shutdown as they do not have information that is not already publicly known.

Here are the basics, in the event of a lapse of funding, federal agencies continue to operate until the funding runs out and then there is an orderly shutdown that takes place. When that happens, staff will be advised to come in to work for about 4 hours to secure their work and then they will go on a furlough. Certain critical employees (such as those who will monitor hotlines for emergencies as well as some in Enforcement) will remain working. In addition, any operations that are specifically funded outside of the general appropriations (in the past, this included activities related to auctions) may continue to operate.

Any day that the FCC is closed (including the 4-hour work day) are considered as non-work days meaning that any filings that are due that day will be extended out. There is a possibility that we may also lose systems during this time. When funding is resumed, the FCC will have an orderly restart plan which includes updates to filing deadlines for items that were due during the shutdown.

It is important that you keep up with the news media of your choice for overall news on the lapse in funding as well as with REC for agency specific information. Our "bonnet on" policy prohibits REC from taking any political positions on the debate over funding or any "rider" language that finds its way into appropriations legislation. This is not our first rodeo with this. Stay tuned!

Historic FCC Documents

(Hosted at REC)

09/2025 - Plan for Orderly Shutdown Due to Lapse of Congressional Appropriations

08/2023 - Plan for Orderly Shutdown Due to Lapse of Congressional Appropriations

12/31/2018 - FCC to suspend most operations mid-day Thursday in the event of a continued partial lapse in Federal Government funding

01/02/2019 - Impact of potential lapse in funding on Commission operations

Impacts of the Government Shutdown on REC tools

REC tool	Operational status in the event of a shutdown and FCC systems are not available	Remarks
myLPFM 3.0 (LPFM Channel Search and station management tool)	Limited functionality	Many myLPFM services that do not require direct interaction with FCC live systems will be available. Certain features such as those that rely on height above average terrain and determination of service contours will not be available. myLPFM features unlikely to operate during a government shutdown include: LPFM Encorachment Report, LPFM Power Check, Translator Interference, IBOC Digital (HD) ERP Study, LPFM Channel Search (information on search such as effective radiated power determination, height above average terrain calculation, minor move check for distances over 11.2 km, determination of site elevation and reduced interference report)
FCC.today	Limited functionality	FCC.today uses real-time data from the FCC's systems based on the current and previous day's business. As the Commission will be closed and business will not be conducted, there will be no information to display on this site. Even if the FCC was to shut down systems, such as LMS, they will normally keep their main website operational. Any news releases that are made by the agency through their Electronic Documents (EDOCS) system will continue to post on fcc.today.
eLMS	Frozen	As no real time data is coming in from the FCC, all data in eLMS will remain active as it is hosted in the REC DataStore.
FCCdata.org	Partially operational	FCCdata.org uses interactive functionality from the FCC for HAAT calculations in order render contour maps. This includes coverage outside of the United States. During the shutdown, maps may either be slow to render, missing contours or not appear at all. FM contour maps that are stored in eLMS will continue to display. AM contour maps previously obtained by REC will continue to display. Logos for full-service broadcast stations relies on the FCC's Online Public Inspection File and will not be displayed. LPFM station logos will be displayed. Daily updates to ULS (amateur radio) will not be done. Updates from non-US administrations (ACMA, Ofcom, etc.) will continue on schedule.
REC EZforms	Operational	EZ Forms will still be available, however we will not be able to file any applications with the FCC until the government reopens.
Curves	Operational	The Curves page is a Javascript that is not dependent on any data from the FCC and will serve as an authoriative replacement fo the FCC's Propagation Curves website during the shutdown.
Runway Slope	Operational	Runway Slope can serve as a non-authorative replacement for the FCC's TOWAIR tool during the shutdown. REC recommends re-verifying construction proposals in the FCC TOWAIR tool before proceeding.
Tower Finder	Operational	REC's tower finder will continue to use its last update of Antenna Structure Registrations.
PREMIS	Likely operational	All information except height above average terrain data should be available in the event of a shutdown.
NADCON	Operational	Replacement for the NOAA site for getting conversions between NAD27 & NAD83.
FM Model	Operational	Tool used to calculate power density to determine compliance with the National Environmental Proection Act (NEPA). This is a direct duplication of the FCC's FM Model application and therefore is considered authoritative.

REC live operations during a shutdown

On days when the FCC is closed, REC goes into "shutdown operations" on days where operations are superseded by other issues such as family priority or holidays. During shutdown operations, phone support will continue to be available at most times however we will be limited on the functions that we will be able to do during this time due to the lack of FCC systems. REC does have some backup methods where we can preliminarily check things while waiting for the government to reopen. During shutdowns, we do appreciate any donations to the REC advocacy. Please use the Ko-Fi donate link on most REC pages to show your support. Thank you.

FCC Form Instructions

In the event the FCC systems are down, we are providing copies of the FCC form instruction documents that will help you prepare an application for when electronic filing has been resumed. Unless specifically instructed by the FCC or Media Bureau staff, never submit a "paper" version of an application in lieu of electronic filing through LMS.

FCC Schedule 318 - Used for Low Power FM applications for construction permits, including modifications of existing stations.

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Databases

For those who use the raw database files from the FCC who need them but can't get them because of an FCC website outage, here are recent versions automatically downloaded by REC as a part of our update process. (NOTE: These files are only updated here for each shutdown episode. These files are not regularly updated.)

LMS Broadcast Data (Radio & TV) - Released by LMS on October 1, 2025.