Patrick Cross

Patrick Cross counsels media and broadcasting clients of all sizes on key aspects of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulatory compliance, FCC enforcement issues, programming, technical matters, regulatory and legislative advocacy, and ownership issues.

With years of experience representing media and broadcasting companies both in front of the FCC and regarding private business transactions, Patrick is equipped to handle almost any aspect of broadcasters’ day-to-day regulatory and strategic business needs. For the same reason, Patrick is a trusted counselor to multiple state broadcast associations, leveraging his years of experience to further provide meaningful advocacy at the FCC as well as to federal and state legislatures.

Patrick has served as counsel in the acquisition and sale of dozens of stations, ranging from single AM and FM stations to multiple-station clusters. Television and radio clients also regularly seek Patrick’s counsel on various programming issues, ranging from technical matters such as closed captioning and emergency alert system (EAS) compliance to substantive political and general commercial advertising clearance.

When it comes to core FCC licensing issues, Patrick is likewise a customary “first call” for clients. From main station broadcast licenses to auxiliary authorizations such as studio transmitter links (STL), intercity relays (ICR), satellite news gathering (SNG) trucks, wireless microphones and more, Patrick has successfully obtained hundreds of FCC grants, including, when necessary, numerous waiver requests.

Patrick is also a regular speaker at broadcast conventions, seminars, and board meetings.

Patrick cares deeply about his clients and will not rest until he’s done everything he can to see their issues successfully resolved. “My goal is to clear the way for local TV and radio stations to do what they do best: providing crucial public interest service to their local communities. Whether supplying forward-looking guidance, advocating for necessary regulatory or legislative changes, or resolving pre-existing issues, it is truly an honor to serve the hardworking stations that make up this industry.”

My Practices

Clerkships

Law Clerk to the Honorable James A. Wynn, Jr., U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 2017-2018

Law Clerk to the Honorable Janis L. Sammartino, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, 2016-2017

Honors & Recognitions

Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America^© "Ones to Watch" for Appellate Practice (2021-2025), Litigation - Intellectual Property (2022-2025), Administrative / Regulatory Law (2024-2025), Communications Law (2024-2025)

Education

Admissions

North Carolina State and Federal Courts

U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado

U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit

Languages

Prior to attending law school, Patrick spent seven years touring the world as the lead guitarist and tour manager for an eleven-member musical act. Precision and attention to detail were crucial to keeping each tour on track. During that time, Patrick also cultivated an understanding of how to reconcile the wants and needs of many strong—and sometimes inharmonious—personalities.

Patrick applies those same skills to his legal practice, fully understanding all aspects of an issue, compliance obligation, or dispute so that he can most effectively counsel clients and advocate for their interests.

When Patrick isn’t practicing law, he still plays guitar and records and masters music. His wife (also an attorney at Brooks Pierce) kindly listens, both to his musical creations and his overly complex dissertations on how to best acoustically treat a room.