March 1 Online Public File Deadline For Radio Stations

Posted on February 26th, 2018 by

If you were hoping for a reprieve on the deadline for radio stations to transition to the online public file, that does not appear to be on the horizon, barring some major crash of the system in the final days before the March 1, 2018 deadline. In fact, the FCC issued a reminder on February 12th as stations make the final push to comply with the requirement. When you get done uploading what is necessary, you must turn the file “ON” for the public to be able to see it, a process that involves a certification page confirming the accuracy of the file’s contents.

One other note. Stations with a website are required to post a link on their website to the station’s online public file. The rule also requires that the station must also provide on their website contact information for a station representative that can assist any person with disabilities with issues related to the content of the public files. The FCC doesn’t say how or where to do that on your website, and an argument could be made that any contact info for a station staffer on the website would be enough. But perhaps something like this would work best: Persons with disabilities may contact _______ at [phone/email] for assistance with issues related to the content of the public files.