FCC Adopts Radio Online Public File Requirement

Posted on January 29th, 2016 by

We don’t know all the details because the Report & Order had not yet been released as of this writing, but the FCC has voted to adopt a requirement that radio stations migrate public files to the FCC’s online system that has been used by TV stations the past few years. From the news release, […]

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Webcaster Minimum Payments Due to SoundExchange by Feb. 1

Posted on January 29th, 2016 by

If you are a broadcaster and also stream your broadcast on the web (i.e. “webcast”), you owe some money to SoundExchange by February 1. Webcasters need to make the minimum $500 fee per channel to SoundExchange by the February 1 deadline. If you are not webcasting, but plan to do so in the future, your […]

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TV Auction: What Now?

Posted on January 29th, 2016 by

The January 12, 2016 deadline for filing FCC Form 177 to become eligible to participate in the TV Incentive Auction has now passed. So what’s next for broadcasters? For those that chose not to qualify by the deadline, there is nothing to do until the auction is complete and the FCC makes decisions on repacking […]

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FCC CONTINUES EAS IMPROVEMENT EFFORTS

Posted on January 29th, 2016 by

The FCC has proposed various rule changes to further strengthen the Emergency Alert System. Among other things, the proposed rulemaking seeks new coordination and improvements with state and local authorities, would authorize state and local alert originators to conduct EAS tests, and allow local and state governments to use the EAS attention signal if not […]

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Dates To Remember

Posted on December 31st, 2015 by

January 1, 2016: stations must begin captioning “straight lift” clips – a single excerpt of a program that was captioned when first shown on TV, with the same video and audio as broadcast – that are then uploaded to the internet for further viewing. January 10, 2016: TV, Class A, AM & FM Stations (commercial […]

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Happy New Year!

Posted on December 31st, 2015 by

Hardy, Carey, Chautin & Balkin, LLP wishes all of our clients and newsletter readers a happy, fulfilling and safe 2016. It is our privilege to serve you, and we look forward to being with you at conventions and other gatherings during the year.

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TV Auction Filing Window Remains Open Until January 12, 2016

Posted on December 31st, 2015 by

The window for eligible full power and Class A television stations to file FCC Form 177 has been open since December 8, 2015 and will close at 6 p.m. EDT on January 12, 2016. Stations that do not file an application in the window will have made final decisions not to participate in the auction. […]

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First 250-Mile FM Translator Modification Window for AM Stations Opens January 29th

Posted on December 31st, 2015 by

The FCC has now set the dates for the two 2016 filing windows for AM stations to modify FM translators by relocating them up to 250 miles to permitted locations within their coverage areas. The first window will open on January 29, 2016 and remain open for six months for Class C and D AM […]

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Tower Lighting Requirements Updated

Posted on December 31st, 2015 by

In early December 2015, the FAA announced that it was canceling and replacing its Advisory Circular for Obstruction Marking and Lighting, amending the lighting requirements that apply to towers registered in the FCC’s antenna structure registration system. The good news? The updated requirements only apply to new or altered antenna structures. However, any antenna structure […]

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LPTV Preservation Steps

Posted on December 31st, 2015 by

The FCC has unanimously adopted a number of measures to help LPTV and TV translator stations continue to operate after the TV Incentive Auction. Acknowledging that many LPTV and TV translator stations will be displaced by the repacking and reallocation of the television bands after the auction, the FCC permitted channel sharing among LPTV and […]

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