The Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP) has issued thousands of certificates of compliance to stations voluntarily being inspected. Yet, there are some real impediments to participation – often by the very stations that could use the program. What happened? Ken Benner, who was there at the beginning, has observed it all. When the […]

The Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP) has issued thousands of certificates of compliance to stations voluntarily being inspected. Yet, the big question is “are the certificates worth anything, or has the program ceased to accomplish its purposes?” Ken Benner was there at the beginning of the program; here he recalls the history, the […]

Since deregulation, today’s Station Logs are but a shadow of what used to be the norm. Aside from EAS activity and tower light checks, not much is required – and many stations take advantage of that, logging virtually nothing at all. But that, as Gary Peterson shows, would be a mistake. Many station […]

Among the most often violated rules, according to citations issued by the FCC, are those related to the Public Information File. Even so, Station Owner Michael Dudding thinks it has its place – and that place is not on the Internet. What is wrong with this picture? Actually, that was sort of a […]

When the folks from the Enforcement Bureau show up at the door, it sure can be hard on the heart and nerves. The reason is easy to explain: whether it is a full technical inspection or one of those “Public File/EAS/Tower fence and light visits” from the “Enforcement Specialists,” the result can be […]

Here is another in our continuing series showing how the Alternate Broadcast Inspection Program works. New Mexico ABIP Inspector Mike Langner gives us a peek over his shoulder at some of the issues he sees as he does his inspections, which might give you some ideas on things that might need checking at your […]

Once again, ABIP Inspector Mike Langner invites us to us ride along with him as he inspects stations around the state of New Mexico. Along the way, some curious situations present themselves. It is, after all, broadcasting. So, saddle up! As usual the names and places have been changed to protect the innocent […]

Definition of nerve-wracking: an inspection visit from an FCC Field Agent. Knowing the key things the inspectors look for will give you a great head-start on avoiding problems. Scott Cason offers some help. Among the items in the FCC’s Daily Digest are summaries of enforcement actions taken by the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau. These […]

As we start a new year – and are still in the middle of the License Renewal cycle – this is an apropos time to review how your facilities are doing in terms of complying with the FCC Authorizations. As a consulting engineer, I have become very interested in a very non-technical aspect […]

We bring our series on the Public Inspection Files to a conclusion with this installment. Of course, it is important to remember that the FCC may well make changes – for instance putting the Public Inspection Files on line – and updates will be found here. This time we will take a look […]