Washington Beat

NAB Chief Technology Officer Sam Metheny has taken his call for the activation of FM chips in all Apple iPhone handsets to Congress. Metheny appeared as one of three witnesses at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing held this morning focused on the policy concerns surrounding the use — and effectiveness — of Emergency Alert Systems. For Metheny, FM chips in smartphones is just a start: Next Gen TV, known as ATSC 3.0, has the potential to wake up sleeping devices and save lives.

At its January Open Meeting on Tuesday morning, the Commission will hear details from a preliminary report into the false inbound missile alert that sent the state of Hawaii into panic on the morning of Jan. 13. Ahead of that presentation from the Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau is a Thursday (1/25) Senate Commerce Committee hearing that delves into the policy concerns surrounding the use -- and effectiveness -- of Emergency Alert Systems.

Efforts spearheaded by music industry lobbyists to introduce legislation on Capitol Hill that would increase music licensing fees have largely fizzled since the start of the 115th Congress. A bi-partisan group of senators led by Utah Republican Orrin Hatch and Tennessee GOP senator Lamar Alexander hope that anti-royalty sentiment will change, thanks to their introduction today of a law they say would be "the most significant change in music licensing laws in decades." The NAB has already spoken up about the senators' bill, and it's concerned but pleased. We have an RBR+TVBR Observation to share.

On Jan. 24, 2017, Republican FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai ascended to the role of Chairman, succeeding Democrat Tom Wheeler. In doing so, he embarked on a mission — crafted with much input from the White House and the conservative think-tank American Enterprise Institute — to loosen regulations for broadcast media companies. What exactly are Pai's achievements on the one-year anniversary of his first full day in office? He was kind enough to distribute an eight-page PDF that answers any question you may have.

It is possible to miss the FCC so much following a 16-year tenure that culminated in the role of Media Bureau Deputy Chief that you'd want to return, and assume your old role? That seems to be the case, as the newest appointment at the Commission involves an individual who is returning to the role after two years at a non-profit devoted to improving legal representation for domestic violence survivors. 

The FCC has scheduled its January Open Meeting for Tuesday (1/30), and two of the eight items on the agenda are fueled by Chairman Ajit Pai's utmost desire to rid the Commission of outdated or burdensome rules. Up for discussion is a Media Bureau docket item that impacts broadcast TV. The other pertains to a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking designed to allow broadcasters and the FCC to "go green."

Here's a column on a topic that could rattle some bones, warns Media Information Bureau featured columnist Ken Benner. He's been an independent Alternative FCC Compliance Certification Inspector for more than five decades. Who will follow in this octogenarian's footsteps? It could be you, or someone you think is perfect for a role that could save your broadcast media company thousands of dollars in preventable forfeitures sent to the FCC.

The FCC’s Auction 100 opens Thursday and will run through Jan. 31. AMs that applied for a cross-service translator in either of the 2016 windows (existing translators) or last year’s first window (new translators) cannot participate in the auction.

The head of the NAB Radio Department will soon conclude his day-to-day role, but will not be saying goodbye to the broadcast media industry's chief lobbying organization. John David, who holds the title of EVP of NAB Radio, will become a Senior Advisor to the NAB, effective Feb. 1.

Yes, the U.S. government shut down on Saturday at midnight. However, a midday Monday vote put the wheels in motion to temporarily reopen the Federal government through Feb. 8. Regardless, the FCC was not immediately impacted thanks to funding assuring it would have stayed open through Friday.

Media Information Bureau featured columnist Ken Benner is very nervous about his latest column's content. He notes, "If I were to write what should be written about this subject, I would be jailed for inciting a riot." What is it that has Benner in freak-out mode? Something that, once again, touches on what he considers governmental abuse. It's also something that impacts every radio and TV station, making this a must-read for all media executives.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel were among a group of industry leaders and policymakers, and government experts and journalism professors, who collectively addressed how broadcast media performed during recent emergencies — and how they can improve their coverage in the future. What did Pai have to say? We have a complete account of his remarks delivered at NAB headquarters in "Eye of the Storm: Broadcasters' Role In Emergencies."

The Senate Commerce Committee has once again proved its a divided organ with respect to how it feels about the tenure of Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr. In a razor-thin vote, Carr's fate beyond June 30, 2018 is now clearer. At the same time, an individual with a last name familiar to long-time FCC staff has gotten approval of their presidential nomination to a post as Assistant Secretary of Transportation.

Does keeping things complicated keep things profitable with the "special interest, hidden agenda" benefactors of groups who have crafted and directed efforts that are largely incomprehensible for the average broadcast industry professional? Featured Media Information Bureau columnist Ken Benner thinks so. That's why he wants you, and your support in his quest to simplify something very important for your stations.