Washington Beat

Well, that's a provocative headline. And, who else but Media Information Bureau featured columnist Ken Benner to write a piece that delves further into his obsession with Federal government "complexification." Here's his latest effort, which should make for some fine weekend reading.

Hanford, Calif., located about three hours to the north of Los Angeles has very little in common with Hollywood, Fla., where RBR+TVBR's editorial office is presently based.  That's just changed, thanks to the FCC's Enforcement Bureau. A pair of LPFMs operating in these disparate communities just received respective Notice of Violations.

The "connected car." Smart speakers. The future of Radio is ever-more dependent on a great internet connection, and 5G technology promises to bring a revolution with respect to content delivery to the U.S. consumer. What does this move from the FCC mean for the radio and TV station owner? Read on, and learn.

As House E&C Democrats continue their quest for FCC oversight hearings to get back on the committee calendar, the Senate Commerce Committee next Wednesday will be conducting a hearing of another important communications agency under Federal government authority—the NTIA.

The NAB Education Foundation (NABEF) will present its Corporate Leadership Award to Cisco at the Celebration of Service to America Awards. The honor is given each year to a non-broadcast business that exemplifies an extraordinary focus on community service and corporate social responsibility.

On February 16, the House Energy and Commerce Committee shelved its plans to hold an oversight hearing of the FCC. It's now June 5, and a rescheduled date and time have not yet surfaced. That greatly upsets the two highest ranking Democrats on the Committee, and they want hearings now.

Recognized as one of Washington's top events, the gala will honor radio and television broadcasters from across the country for exceptional community service.

In March, the rumors first surfaced. On Friday evening, June 1, the name of the next FCC Commissioner — if all goes according to plan — had been announced by the White House. Accolades continue to roll out on Monday for Geoffrey Starks, an alumnus of one of D.C.'s most prolific law firms.

Cumulus Media has stated on numerous occasions that it intends to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection by the end of the quarter — June 30. Media Bureau Audio Division Chief Albert Shuldiner ​​just did his part to ensure that such an anticipated action stays on that schedule: The Commission has given the OK to the broadcast media company's plan — despite one objection filed with the FCC.

"GDPR," or the General Data Protection Regulation, is now law within the European Union. You may have received an email or two about receiving emails from various companies, as part of a sweeping rule that some U.S. businesses -- including yours -- may be concerned about. Why? Some wonder if it could happen here. AEI visiting scholar Roslyn Layton has some ideas that are definitely worth your time.

"Ol' Dad" Ken Benner's mailbox is filling up with queries from RBR+TVBR Members. "Why do you write?" "Where do you get your funding?" Benner has some fun with those questions while sharing some "serious business" pertaining to "major projects involved with regulatory transparency pertaining to American broadcasting." Sounds like a great read to us!

When it comes to making a deal happen, most buyers will use a cash flow multiple as an important element in valuing a station — and will rely on the seller's accounting records to make the calculation. But, what if your financial records are, quite frankly, a haphazard mess?

On May 18, bidding concluded in an auction of cross-service FM translator construction permits. This FCC auction, which was designated "Auction 99," raised more than $225 million. Some 11 bidders won 11 construction permits. Here are the details.

"Certain manufacturers of video television set-top boxes are either failing to comply with Federal Communications Commission equipment authorization requirements or falsely using FCC branding on their devices." That's a message Republican Commissioner Michael O'Rielly personally communicated on Friday to the CEOs of two of the world's largest online vendors.

Just in time for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the FCC has released a voluminous Report and Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that could very much impact your radio or TV station's profits in 2018. It's the FCC's way of asking, "What's in your wallet."