Washington Beat

The Hawaiian Island of Kauai could see the arrival of no less than three new FM radio stations, bringing a sixth local service to Lihue while establishing the first local service in the communities of Koloa and Puhi, respectively. However, two of the proposals are potentially problematic.

The law firm that is home to Managing Member Sally Buckman is welcoming a new Counsel, an individual with more than two decades of experience on FCC regulatory issues. It is also welcoming a new associate, who specializes in data protection, privacy, cybersecurity, CFIUS, and artificial intelligence (AI) matters that impact companies in the technology and communications industries.

Anna Gómez is already one step closer than Gigi Sohn was in her quest to be confirmed as the fifth Commissioner at the FCC. The Senate Commerce Committee has moved forward with an executive session to consider her nomination, and those of five others put forth by the Biden Administration.

The Multicultural Media, Telecom & Internet Council (MMTC) is now accepting registrants for a July 25 event scheduled as an online-only affair featuring no less than four former Chairs of the Federal Communications Commission.

A full-power semi-satellite of CBS affiliate KVAL-13 in Eugene-Springfield, Ore., that serves the North Bend region of coastal Oregon has gotten the OK to shift its facility to digital channel 34. That upgrade, which led to a public comment period, has now been granted by the FCC.

A multichannel video program distributor employment unit with six or more full-time employees must file an FCC Form 396-C "Multichannel Video Programming Distributor EEO Program Annual Report" by September 30 of each year. Consider this a reminder.

The FCC has been considering the idea of an audio service piggybacking on television Channel 6 since 2014. On July 20, the four voting members of the Commission will finally vote on a fifth "Franken FM" Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has confirmed.

The Audio Division of the Media Bureau has determined that the licensee of an FM translator serving a portion of Montgomery County, Md., constructed the facility with an incorrect antenna. But, that will result in a forfeiture and not the LPFM owner's hoped-for license cancellation.

Support for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act continues to grow on Capitol Hill, and support the legislation has come from numerous organizations representing diverse, rural and public safety interests.  Add AARP to the list of the bill's supporters.

It is a small town along the Columbia River known for Chief Joseph Dam, situated 125 miles west of Spokane, Wash. It is home to three low-powered TV stations, and it appears they were a bit late in the filing with their FCC license renewal applications.  As such, the licensee could be on the hook for a financial penalty.

While much of the discussion during Thursday's Senate Commerce Committee FCC nominations hearing focused on subjects such as broadband access, Majority Leader Maria Cantwell made it clear that a proceeding started nine years ago regarding streaming media services and “bargaining in good faith” needs to be revived. Curtis LeGeyt couldn't agree more.

In March, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel introduced a proposal that would implement new customer protections requiring all cable TV service providers and both Dish and DirecTV to specify the “all-in” price “clearly and prominently” in their promotional materials and on every monthly billing statement. Now, an NPRM has emerged.

The FCC and the National Science Foundation on July 13 will co-host a workshop that brings together stakeholders to discuss the opportunities that artificial intelligence (AI) presents for spectrum management and network resiliency.

After two failures to file timely renewals for the 2011-2014 and 2019-2022 license cycles and subsequent expiration, the FCC and Pennsylvania’s Good Christian Broadcasting, Inc. have come to a solution to return the station license of WLIH-FM.

After Gigi Sohn's retraction and President Joe Biden's nomination of Anna Gomez to the FCC, broadcasters have wondered how soon could we have a full FCC for the first time in this administration. The Senate Commerce Committee has an answer.