Washington Beat

The Commission expects that this examination is the first step in providing for more intensive use of the 12.7 GHz band, "unlocking a significant expanse of valuable mid-band frequencies that may play a key role in delivering on the promise of next-generation wireless services," — including 5G, 6G, and beyond. 

The Federal Communications Commission’s Rules for an upcoming AWS-3 auction will pave the way for approximately 200 spectrum licenses to come to market. The FCC's spectrum auction authority had expired under President Biden and getting it back was a chief priority of Chairman Brendan Carr.

Featured Media Information Bureau columnist Ken Benner is infatuated with government "complexification." We're sure it's not in our dictionary, but it is a fitting word Benner uses to describe something so confusing, you will end up sending a check to the U.S. Treasury out of sheer frustration and lack of comprehension. In this column, Benner tackles the FCC's efforts to improve EEO compliance.

The FCC will hold its August Open Meeting next Thursday, and the Commission late Thursday offered a peek at what the Commissioners will debate and discuss at the monthly session. Of the seven items on the agenda, two involve the Media Bureau — and possibly your radio and/or TV station. Discussion of an incubator program to encourage diverse media ownership has already seen the NAB and MMTC lobby the Commission for its extension to TV.

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.

Brett Guthrie has stepped in to take the role previously held by retired Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.). The new House E&C Committee Chairman has revealed who the chief counsels for the 119th Congress will be for the House E&C's various subcommittees.

Some 88 years ago, the FCC adopted its first broadcast license posting rules. Over the years, these rules were expanded to apply to then-nascent services, including FM radio and TV. Then came the internet ... but no changes to the FCC's requirements. That's poised to change in another "modernization" proposal.

There's no longer any uncertainty or worry for those holding Auction 99 or Auction 100-awarded construction permits due to expire on or before June 21, 2021 who have not yet fully launched the FM translator stations associated with these CPs. That's because the FCC Media Bureau has given the green light to COVID-19 related requests for a waiver.