Broadcasters are almost unanimous in pleased expectation about the proposal to change or eliminate the Main Studio rule. With Public Information Files on (or will be on) the Internet, a question is raised about how the public will be able to interact with local stations – especially during times of disaster and emergencies. Richard […]

Whether you call it AM Revitalization or AM Improvement, many folks feel the emphasis should be on AM. Although the FCC actions so far have largely consisted of allowing FM translators to move hundreds of miles and be paired with AM stations, there is more going on. Among other initiatives, the FCC Office […]

Every election cycle, politicians scramble to get their message out. Stations must adhere to the FCC Rules related to such political advertising, although some can be downright confusing at time. Cary Tepper addresses the issue. Over the past twenty five years political broadcasting has morphed into a complex legal web of laws and […]

Wednesday during NAB Week is traditionally when we hear from the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) on current EAS issues. Gregory Cooke, the Associate Chief, Policy & Licensing Div, of the PSHSB and Steven Carpenter, Cybersecurity Engineer, PSHSB presented. With the publication of the EAS 15-94 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking […]

As an experienced inspector under the ABIP, Ken Benner has been to several thousand stations over the past couple of decades, and he has helped many of them to be in compliance with the FCC Rules and Regulations. That does not mean there are no problem areas. There are. And Ken has called […]

In many ways, social media is just like the Reply-All: in email. It can quickly exchange messages between large groups of people. Of course, there are similar traps of which to be wary. Cary Tepper explains. Social media platforms are powerful communication tools that can have a significant impact on organizational and professional […]

The FCC is mandating that Public Information File materials be posted on the FCC web site, with the largest stations first up. As the process rolls out, no doubt there will be a lot of questions concerning the items stations should be posting. Among these materials are three of the more difficult items […]

Every broadcaster knows the FCC Rules and Regulations are the Bible of the industry. But understanding the Rules and getting legal answers to questions is not always easy. Short of calling a DC attorney, is there a resource better than “ask the engineer?” Ken Benner answers. For less than the typical cost of […]

In September, the FCC adopted new rules for contests run on broadcast stations. Notice has been in the Federal Register and after a comment period, is likely to go into effect before the end of the year. While some parts of the rules are easy to understand, others could cause problems. This step-by-step […]

As everyone continues to pick apart what the FCC did and what they seem to intend in the AM Revitalization Report and Order, we seem to have a fair amount of agreement on what are the high points and what is missing. The well-respected Consultant Ron Rackley offers his thoughts as we look […]