The FCC executed agreements with state broadcast associations in 2003, which began the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program, or ABIP. By 2010, a quarter of radio and half of the TV stations were participating, most receiving a Certificate of Compliance, which shielded them from most random inspections for three years.  More recently, participation in […]

When an FCC Field Agent or an Alternate Broadcast Inspector comes calling to inspect a station, they start by bringing up the coordinates from the FCC database. Then they check their GPS receiver. Sometimes, it is funny what they find. You likely have heard some of those stories about how a radio inspector […]

We all know that properly handling station paperwork is necessary to keep the FCC happy. But, as with all relationships with the government, questions come up. Ken Benner would like to help with the quarterly chore: the Issues and Programs List. Without question, the Issues and Programs List was the number one FCC […]

Does your station use a tower to transmit? Then you probably know that you have to meet certain FCC and FAA rules, and conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance. Regular inspections can help you keep everything in top order. Broadcast towers have long played an important part of the Alternative FCC Inspection Program […]

Here is a chance to follow along with an ABIP (Alternate Broadcast Inspection Program) inspector, Mike Langner. As you read on, you might well see some things that need attention at your station. You might also chuckle a bit, as inspectors do see some mind-bending situations and get some amazing excuses. Oh yes, […]

Recently, we have entered a new cycle of station license renewals. As part of the process, the FCC wants to know if a station has complied with its Authorization. The best way to be sure, short of an inspection by the FCC or an ABIP (Alternate Broadcast Inspection Program) inspector, is to use […]

Every station should have confidence that they are operating in a way that satisfies the FCC Rules and Regulations. Doing so prevents getting a Notice of Violation from the FCC with the potential of fines, costs to fix the problem, and legal fees. A major part of passing an ABIP inspection – or […]

FCC Anxiety is caused by worry that an inspector will come and a station will end up fined for some minor item missed in the day-to-day operations. The ABIP (Alternate Broadcast Inspection Program) was supposed to fix that, but it has now caused some additional anxieties of its own. As deregulation started to […]

Over the past couple of years, the FCC has transitioned broadcast stations’ Public Inspection Files, A good many of them have not been filled correctly. With the Renewal Season just ahead, guess who is looking at your files? The answer is: The FCC Over the past several years, the FCC has required stations […]

Over the past 20 years, thousands of stations have been inspected under the voluntary Alternate Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP). However, Ken Benner relates how a simple program grew into something else. My recent columns appearing in the BDR have really developed interest in my experiences with the ABIP and how we might improve, […]