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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]