Washington Beat

The Democratic FCC Commissioner threw his full support behind the AM for Every Vehicle Act, saying Thursday at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting's Washington Watch that the agency will provide support and expertise as the legislation advances.

The Radio + Television Business Report's information-filled all-new Spring 2024 Special Report was distributed in print at the 2024 NAB Show and via digital PDF download to subscribers earlier in April. Still haven't seen it? Look at what this 48-page full-color magazine has that you can't find anywhere else.

The nation's two direct broadcast satellite service providers, in addition to vMVPD Fubo, conservative-leaning cable network Newsmax, and four public interest groups have written to Congressional leaders seeking multiple hearings on the future of competition in pay TV.

What jurisdiction does the FCC possess to move forward with the proposed change in FM frequencies for two stations, including a Canadian operation? Plenty, it turns out, as this Canadian FM is actually licensed to a small Texas town.

“No one can seriously expect this Supreme Court to uphold the FTCʼs interpretation,” says Berin Szóka, President of the nonprofit, nonpartisan technology policy think tank. “The FTC may lose not only under modern textualist analysis and the major questions doctrine, but also because its reading of the statute assumes that Congress delegated vast lawmaking powers to the FTC without clear limiting principles."

The individual who has been serving as the Legal Advisor for wireless, space, and international issues for FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks has accepted the role of Senior Spectrum Advisor and Director of National Spectrum Strategy. Who is succeeding Shiva Goel in that key role in Geoffrey Starks' office?

The FCC's party-line 3-2 vote on Thursday that reclassifies broadband service as a Title II telecommunications service — a.k.a. the restoration of "net neutrality" — received a flurry of responses. Democrats praised the vote, while Republicans condemned it.

A low-power television station in Bryan-College Station, Tex., has been handed a fine from the FCC for failing to timely file a license to cover application.

Just weeks ago, Pacifica Foundation's WBAI-FM in New York shared with listeners that it is behind on its tower lease agreement and is seeking donor support to avoid eviction. That effort could come under scrutiny from the FCC, which has signed off on a consent decree absolving WBAI for running afoul of its underwriting rules.

As 2022 began, so did a new era for the NAB, as Curtis LeGeyt assumed the title of President/CEO from former U.S. Senator Gordon Smith. With the 2024 NAB Show now concluded, the association has decided to extend LeGeyt's tenure at the top for five more years.

The senior Republican Commissioner on the FCC will be participating in an upcoming discussion alongside former agency General Counsels, hosted by a major communication law firm, that's primed to focus on opportunities to reform enforcement practices.

For those seeking legislative action that can help resuscitate an anemic business climate for those in the local journalism business, perhaps an eye on the Empire State should be given. Gov. Kathy Hochul has given her thumbs up to a first-of-its kind tax credit for jobs in the journalism field.

On April 2, the FCC released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in its proceeding to "modernize and revise its rules" by permitting limited, voluntary program origination on FM booster stations. Comment dates are now affirmed.

The FCC has yet to approve the $75 million sale of WADL-38 in Detroit — a deal announced in May 2023. The proposed buyer is entangled in matters tied to its cozy relationship with Nexstar, but that isn't stopping one of WADL's minority shareholders to rally the Commission to grant the transaction.

The National Association of Broadcasters has released new broadcast station self-inspection guides for FM and television stations. These two guides assist broadcasters in conducting a self-inspection of their stations.