FCC Update
The FCC Update column covers news and information from the Federal Communications Commission and Capitol Hill, and other legislative actions.
FCC Reform Bill Gets Approval from NAB, Others
Key points of the bills: consolidate some FCC reporting requirements, codify the unofficial shot clock for merger reviews and limit the types of conditions the agency can place on transactions.
Potentially Sticky Political Pitfalls
Lee Petro discusses several potentially sticky situations broadcasters should try to avoid during political ad season.
FCC Releases Fifth EAS Report and Order
Some highlights: CAP converters are allowed, but governor must-carry is denied.
Political Ad Season Reminders
With the increased political ad activity comes broadcasters' responsibility to ensure compliance with political broadcasting rules and policies. Lee Petro reviews several of the main topics every broadcaster should know.
FCC Extends Deadline for Asymmetrical Sideband Comments
The new deadlines add an additional two weeks. The new comment deadline is Jan. 3, 2012.
A Change in Interference Protection Rules?
A recent petition for rulemaking filed with the Commission would change the interference protection rules for the non-reserved FM band to largely match the rules in other services.
FCC Solicits Comments Regarding Asymmetrical IBOC Sideband Transmission
Interested parties may submit comments on or before 21 days after the date of publication of a summary of this Public Notice in the Federal Register.
Obama Nominates Rosenworcel and Pai for FCC Seats
Both have established careers on Capitol Hill and have been advisers to the FCC. They would fill the seats of Copps and Attwell Baker.
FM Translator Moves Granted Under Certain Circumstances
The FCC has proposed the adoption of "floors" that would limit the processing of FM translators in markets where there was not sufficient spectrum for the introduction of future LPFM stations.
National EAS Test and CAP Compliance Extension
The FCC and FEMA are getting ready for the national test. Are you ready?
FCC Extends EAS CAP Compliance Deadline - Again
An additional nine months have been allotted for stations to be compliant.
Ownership Report Submissions Pushed Back
On Aug. 23, 2011, the Commission released a public notice announcing it has pushed back the filing deadline for the Reports until Dec. 1, 2011.
The End of the Fairness Doctrine
No longer enforced, but still in the FCC Rules, the Fairness Doctrine required broadcasters to balance opposing views on controversial issues of public significance.
FCC Update on Nov 2011 National EAS Test
The FCC has issued a public notice to clarify some details of the upcoming national EAS test.
FCC Amends Part 101 to Increase BAS Bandwidth and Remove Last Link Limitation
The final link rule, which prohibited broadcasters from using non-BAS frequencies for their last mile links, has been lifted.
LPFM/FM Translator Resolution in Sight?
The FCC has proposed the creation of LPFM ceiling floors that would condition the processing of FM translator applications on the availability of spectrum remaining in local markets for LPFM use.
EAS News Update
The FCC has released a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, in which the Commission proposes a comprehensive review of the current EAS structure, and what steps should be taken to integrate new technology into future versions of the nation's alert system.
House Communications and Technology Subcommittee Examines FCC Reform
The hearing focused on how to codify best practices to ensure consistency from issue to issue and from one commission to the next.
FCC Releases Five Media Ownership Research Studies
The five studies were conducted by outside researchers and examine a range of issues that affect diversity, competition and localism.
FCC Studies Impact on LPFM Service
Given the breadth of the Commission's call for comments, those that have information on the economic impact of LPFM stations should strongly consider filing comments.
