Washington Beat

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."  

The blocking of critics by President Trump from his personal Twitter account is a violation of the First Amendment, a Federal judge in New York has ruled. What does this mean for your Twitter-using air talent? Several D.C. attorneys shared their thoughts with RBR+TVBR. How this may impact your business should not be overlooked.

A Class A television station serving a Louisiana market filed an application for license renewal with the FCC. But, it seems, there was some compliance issues with all of the Commission's rules. To resolve those problems, the licensee has entered into a Consent Decree with the FCC. It will cost the licensee.

UPDATE: In response to a Stay Petition and a Petition for Reconsideration filed in early April 2017 by Prometheus Radio Project, the Commission's top leadership late Tuesday offered a firm decision on the 40-mile limit for an FM translator's move. This FCC decision could be related to the informal objection filed May 16 by Prometheus, as the Commission had not acted on its filings from last year -- as Prometheus noted last week. 

Does the Commission have a big problem with how it looks at a big, complex merger? Daniel Lyons, an associate professor at Boston College Law School who is also a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, very much thinks so. Here's what he has to say on the subject.

The man considered by many to be the father of low-power broadcast TV and FM translators has passed away, losing a battle with brain cancer. He leaves behind an engineering legacy that will be remembered, and his wife of 71 years.

With spin-off deals in place and under Commission review, the FCC on Monday opted to establish a firm comment period on its consideration of Sinclair Broadcast Group's proposed merger with Tribune Media. Based on what was shared, this puts the final date for public input on the controversial deal in mid-July.

Many sellers underestimate how much they will need post-exit and overestimate the company’s value. In this third Deal Killers Podcast, Community Broadcasters COO Bruce Mittman, President/CEO Jim Leven and Controller Peter Henderson share their thoughts on the important topic of "unclear post-closing goals." It's another RBR+TVBR member exclusive!

"Local Talk. Classic Rock." That's the slogan used by a Class B AM with an FM translator serving one of America's most picturesque communities. The station's owner has just been handed a Notice of Violation from the FCC's Enforcement Bureau. What led a division known for busting pirate broadcasters to issue the warning to this radio station owner?

The former Special Counsel in the Competition Policy Division of the FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau has been selected as the second VP/Regulatory Affairs at the American Cable Association.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai on Thursday attended a hearing on the FY2019 funding request and budget justification for the FCC convened by the Senate Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government Committee on Appropriations. As a benefit to all interested parties, RBR+TVBR is pleased to provide Pai's statement delivered to the subcommittee, in full.

In early April, RBR+TVBR reported on an effort by Gray Television launched in January to get DirecTV and DISH Network to add a CBS affiliate serving eastern Kentucky. At the time, more than 2,200 filings were made in response to Gray's FCC petition. The Commission on Wednesday ruled on the matter.

Last week RBR+TVBR featured columnist Ken Benner traveled to Washington, D.C. and met with several members of Congress. The purpose of the trip: to lobby for retention of an agency the current administration may wish to do away with. It's important — one Think Tank Wonk who has an ear with another agency, the FCC, has already asked why the Commission should exist.