On May 26, 2016, the FCC’s Media Bureau issued a Public Notice with the stated purpose of providing advance notice of the eligibility standards for Low Power television (“LPTV”) and TV Translator licensees seeking to file displacement applications in a future filing window. With the commencement of the Incentive Auction, the Media Bureau sought to provide permittees sufficient time to construct their authorized facilities if they wish to participate in the first displacement filing window to be opened shortly after the end of the Incentive Auction.
Tag Archives: Broadcast
FCC Proposes Further Modifications To Broadcaster And Cable Public File Rules
On May 25, 2016, the FCC released a Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) seeking comment on two proposed modifications to the local public file requirements for commercial broadcast stations and cable operators. The proposed changes come on the heels of the FCC’s decision in January 2016 to implement the Online Public Inspection File system for radio broadcast stations and cable operators with more than 1,000 subscribers, as well as DBS and satellite radio licensees.
Transition to New Online Public File Database Announced
In an earlier post, we discussed the adoption of rules requiring all radio stations, cable systems, and satellite radio and television licensees to transition their public inspection file onto an online database to be maintained by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
On May 12, 2016, the FCC announced the timeline for the migration for the affected parties. In particular, the following parties will need to commence using the new database on June 24, 2016: Continue reading
FCC Reforms Broadcast Ownership Reports and Filing Procedures
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On January 20, 2016, the FCC released a Report and Order adopting new broadcast ownership reporting forms in a bid to improve demographic information available to the FCC. The order (1) imposed a requirement for a new Restricted Use FCC Reporting Number (“RUFRN”); (2) increased reporting obligations for noncommercial education broadcasters; (3) limited the availability of Special Use FRNs; and (4) revised the relevant reporting forms for improved efficiency. Continue reading
FCC Adopts Rules to Move Radio Stations to Online Public Files
At its January 2016 open meeting, the FCC adopted rules to require radio stations, multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) and satellite radio licensees to maintain their public inspection files online. These new rules follow a similar plan used in 2012 when the FCC adopted online public file requirements for television stations. Implementation of the new rules for MVPDs and radio stations will be staggered, with DBS and satellite radio licensees being required to come into compliance upon the effective date of the new rules. Continue reading
Children’s Television Programming Reports Have A New Home
On February 9, 2016, the FCC announced that Children’s Television Programming Reports (FCC Form 398) will need to be filed on the Licensing and Management System (LMS), commencing with the First Quarter 2016 reports due in April 2016. Continue reading