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 […]

They have been talking about it for years, and pressure has been building for the FCC to “do something” to help AM Broadcasters. Now that the First Report & Order has been released, along with a Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making and a Notice of Inquiry, some of the FCC’s intentions for […]

Good maintenance practices usually entail regular inspections of each part of the studio and transmission plants. Of course, no matter how many things you check, it is all too easy to miss something important. Starting with a general list, and then adding to it as appropriate for your situation will give you a […]

Prior to the FCC’s latest Auction, stations have been advised to ensure the accuracy of coordinates of their towers. This is clearly needed because FCC staff has discovered several types of defects. Cary Tepper explains why you should take note. Question: We saw the Public Notice regarding the upcoming FCC Auction. Since we […]

The FCC has proposed, as a costcutting maneuver, closing many of the field offices and reduce manpower. Many broadcasters call this bad policy. Richard Rudman explains: Robert “Bob” Gonsett, the well-known Southern California telecomm consultant, recently authored a guest editorial entitled “Closing FCC Field Offices Could Lead to RF Anarchy.” The plan advanced […]

Often, the FCC Rules do not pro-vide clear answers for stations. It can take some effort to get the full sense of Commission Policy on matters. Our friendly communications attorney, Cary Tepper, again helps clarify a few issues for BDR Readers. Question: We anticipate getting our CP late in the summer. However, due […]

Shared transmission sites have many of the same issues as a shared apartment. It takes cooperation to keep a site clean, secure, and legal. Without attention, an FCC fine is quite possible. Our friendly communications attorney, Cary Tepper, clarifies why that is so. Question: We are about to construct our new CP at […]

Among the reporting requirements imposed on broadcasters are those dealing with the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) rules – 2500 words contained in Section 73.2080 that some feel creates as much paperwork and anxiety as all the rest of the rules combined. Michael Dudding, owner of KDSN, Denison IA, set out to satisfy the […]