FCC Partially Lifts Filing Freeze for Class A, LPTV and TV Translator Stations

Posted on May 30th, 2024 by

On May 28, 2024, the FCC’s Media Bureau announced that beginning August 20, 2024, the current 14-year freeze on major modification applications by Class A television, low power television and television translator stations will be partially lifted to allow those stations to file channel change applications. Geographic changes greater than 30 miles will not be […]

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FCC Launches Proceeding to Overhaul Rules for Class A and Low Power TV Stations

Posted on May 30th, 2024 by

At its June 6th meeting, the FCC is expected to adopt a proposed rulemaking to overhaul and adopt new rules applicable to Class A and low power television stations. A draft of the rulemaking has been made public, and two special dockets were created to receive any input before the June 6th scheduled vote.  Actual […]

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Dates to Remember 

Posted on April 30th, 2024 by

May 6, 2024 EEO Random Audit Response Deadline for stations identified in the FCC’s EEO Random Audit Public Notice issued March 22, 2024 May 16, 2024 Deadline to file comments in the FCC’s FM Booster Geocasting FNPRM. June 1, 2024 Radio and TV Stations located in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Michigan, Ohio, Arizona, […]

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FCC Allows FM Booster Station “Geocasting”

Posted on April 30th, 2024 by

Just over four years after the original petition for rulemaking was filed in March 2020, the FCC agreed in early April 2024 to allow FM booster stations to broadcast 3 minutes of programming per hour that is different from their primary station.  The new policy will allow targeted advertising or programming in the particular part […]

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FCC Launches Review of Video Marketplace and Restrictions on Independent Video Programming

Posted on April 30th, 2024 by

In a wide-ranging Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC is examining and seeking information on various practices in the video marketplace that may be stifling the distribution and availability of independent programming, including non-network affiliated television broadcast stations.  In particular, the FCC is seeking comment on whether independently programmed television stations are facing obstacles to […]

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Random EEO Audit Responses Due May 6

Posted on April 30th, 2024 by

May 6th is the response deadline for those broadcast stations included in the FCC’s March 22, 2024 public notice commencing a random audit of radio and television station EEO compliance over the past two years.  Approximately 250 stations were included on the audit list.  Every station in the station employment unit must upload the audit […]

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FCC Fines TV Station for Children’s TV and Public File Violations

Posted on April 30th, 2024 by

In the most recently concluded television station renewal cycle, rule violations were often addressed in consent decrees requiring stations to adopt compliance plans, but often avoiding monetary fines.  A few days ago, the FCC issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for $3,000 to a Class A TV station licensee that violated the FCC’s children’s television […]

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Comment Deadline Extended for Broadcast Station Mandated Emergency Operational Outages Reporting

Posted on April 30th, 2024 by

Comments can now be filed through May 13th in the FCC’s rulemaking proposing to change from optional to mandatory broadcast station operational status reporting during emergencies.  Currently, stations have the option of reporting status during disasters using the FCC’s Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS).  If adopted, the new rule would require stations affected during or […]

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Noncommercial Station Enters Consent Decree for Airing Commercials and Not Identifying Program Sponsors

Posted on April 30th, 2024 by

A New York noncommercial radio station facing a petition to deny, several informal objections to its license renewal application, and the FCC’s inquiries and investigation of alleged rule violations has entered into a consent decree agreeing to pay a fine of $25,000, implement a comprehensive compliance plan with annual compliance reports, and receive a short-term, […]

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Dates to Remember 

Posted on March 28th, 2024 by

April 8, 2024 Deadline for Application Prioritization NPRM reply comments April 1, 2024 Radio and TV Stations located in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, Delaware & Pennsylvania:  if five (5) full time employee threshold is met, prepare EEO public file report covering the period from April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024, upload it to the […]

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