Washington Beat

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.

An individual who has been called "a practical visionary" and "unbelievably brilliant" by former U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller is now confirmed as the opening keynote speaker at the ninth annual Hispanic Radio Conference, set for March 13-14 in Miami.

The Freedom of Information Act requires federal agencies to establish a schedule of fees for the processing of requests for agency records in accordance with fee guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget. With the release of a Public Notice on Thursday (1/11), the FCC is modifying its fee schedule. How much more will the FCC collect?

On Thursday, President Trump reportedly used the word “s--thole” to describe such nations as Haiti and those in Africa with less-desirable immigrants than other nations. The reaction was swift. Perhaps most startling was the NPR hourly newscast at 2pm Eastern Friday, which featured Senate Minority Whip Dick Durban (D-Ill.) recounting the entire conversation involving Trump -- with the vulgarity uncensored for full effect. What should your station do? Respected D.C. Communications attorney David Oxenford has some advice.

The journey to a fresh five-year term for FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr is one step closer to completion. On Thursday, Jan. 18, Carr will be one of seven presidential nominees up for consideration in an executive session of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Also up for nomination: The wife of a former FCC Commissioner.

The FCC’s Incentive Auction Task Force and Media Bureau today granted a request from 20 broadcast TV stations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria to permit them to construct post-auction facilities ahead of schedule.

On December 14, SiriusXM received what some might call a lump of coal as a Christmas present, courtesy of the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB). New royalty rates and terms for satellite-delivered services (SDARS) such as SiriusXM, and Preexisting Subscription Services (PSS) for services such as Muzak and Music Choice, were issued. SiriusXM's rate soared. SiriusXM then roared, and a rehearing motion is presently under consideration.

Two Lone Star broadcasters have each received a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture for failing to abide by the FCC's rules. One of the broadcasters failed to file a timely license renewal application for an FM station carrying the once-famous call letters of a Northern California rocker. The other broadcaster was found to be operating a radio station from a location that it wasn't authorized to use. In the latter case, the broadcaster's renewal application triggered an informal objection from Alpha Media.

The Member of Congress behind the PROMOTE Act and a key co-sponsor of the Fair Play Fair Pay Act will not seek re-election, and will conclude his long tenure in the House of Representatives with the end of the 115th Congress. While Democrats are salivating, radio station owners may be breathing a sigh of relief. While Issa is known for his support of new royalties for AM and FM radio, he's also likely to be remembered for his efforts that could have influenced Apple from activating FM chips in its smartphones.

"PN1362" arrived Monday at the Senate Commerce Committee, sent by the White House. The action would reappoint Republican Brendan Carr to a five-year term as a Commissioner, starting July 1, 2018. It marks the Trump Administration's second attempt at keeping Carr at the FCC through June 2023.

Among the basics for TV broadcasters is the required preparation and placement, on a quarterly basis, of TV issues/programs lists in their local public inspection file. There are also requirements tied to children's TV programming. Failure to comply with the FCC's rules on these matters can result in various penalties. For one TV station tied to a Mexican media company, agreeing to a Consent Decree with the Commission was the best route to resolve past transgressions.