FCC Rules & Regulations

Understanding AM NRSC Measurements

Written by James Boyd Posted in FCC Rules & Regulations.

The FCC requires that AM stations perform their NRSC measurements each year. What do they mean? And how can this measurement be used to improve your station? James Boyd runs it down. There are still some of us who remember those all-nighters at our AM stations doing the annual Equipment Performance Measurement (EPM), […]

You Really Must Listen

Written by Barry Mishkind Posted in FCC Rules & Regulations.

Have you – or your Chief Operator – actually listened to your on-air product recently? There are a number of reasons you should, but here are a couple of cases that could result in a fine if the FCC gets involved. Most stations put a lot of effort into creating a “sound” with […]

Wireless Mics and FCC Rules

Written by Barry Mishkind Posted in FCC Rules & Regulations.

Most broadcasters use wireless microphones in some parts of their operations. However, from studio operations to remote broadcasts, broadcasters (and many churches) may need to plan for buying new gear. Here is what you need to know: Sometime in the First Quarter of 2024, the broadcast and microphone industries expect new regulations that […]

The New FCC CAP Rules and Your Budget

Written by Barry Mishkind Posted in FCC Rules & Regulations.

On December 12, 2022, the FCC Report & Order modified the EAS rules to makes changes to the clarity and accessibility of EAS messages. This may lead to a significant cost for some stations. The clock is ticking. No matter which EAS machine you have in service, there will be a cost before […]

Random, Spot Inspections Are Back

Written by Barry Mishkind Posted in FCC Rules & Regulations.

For a lot of folks, there are few moments as anxiety-filled as when a visitor shows his or her badge and announces “I’m from the FCC.” Your station(s) may well be inspected. This week, the FCC Enforcement Bureau (EB) told the field offices that they were able to go out and do […]

FCC License Renewal Information

Written by Barry Mishkind Posted in FCC Rules & Regulations.

Each renewal cycle (and for other reasons) brings the need to do on-air announcements relating to filings. Sometime in 2020, 73.3580 (b) was adjusted. Formerly, post-filing announcements were spread over three months. This is no longer true: Applicants may broadcast the first on-air announcement as early as the date of the release of […]

Comprehending the FCC Rules

Written by Dane Ericksen Posted in FCC Rules & Regulations.

Dane Ericksen has had a long career as an FCC Field Agent and Broadcast Consultant. He understands how the Rules and Regulations are put together – or was that all just a strange dream? In prior years, the Federal Communications Commission required stations to have an up-to-date copy of the Rules and […]

Identifying Who’s Who at 2 GHz

Written by Bill Ruck Posted in FCC Rules & Regulations.

It is always a struggle to be sure who is sharing spectrum, even with the diligent efforts of volunteers who track and build databases. Often users do not know who is next door, or who might be moving in. Recent events, especially involving satellite spectrum use give opportunity to take a look. The […]

Avoiding License Renewal Gremlins

Written by Ken Benner Posted in FCC Rules & Regulations.

The broadcast Renewal Season started earlier this year, with license renewals for Radio and TV stations being spread over then mext three years. While the process is a bit simpler this time around, there are definitely some areas that need close attention to avoid problems. Ken Benner points out one such area. It […]

IPAWS Triggered Polling and BLU Alerts Explained

Written by Ed Czarnecki Posted in FCC Rules & Regulations.

The FCC’s December meeting resulted in two new additions to the EAS framework. Ed Czarnecki explains what this means for stations. The FCC approved its Blue Alert proposal for EAS on December 14th – adding a new BLU alert event code, and clarifying that “triggered CAP polling” is permissible for EAS devices. BLU […]

The Broadcasters' Desktop Resource