Washington Beat

A Media Financial Management Meet Up regional event is heading to NAB Headquarters in Washington, D.C. And, it will see a panel of AI experts gather to share insights on a specific aspect of Artificial Intelligence as it pertains to broadcast media finance.

There was a surge in the number of noneducational FM radio stations during the third quarter of 2023, while commercial AM and FM radio stations declined in number during the period. That's the biggest takeaway from the FCC's latest broadcast station total list, for the three-month period ending September 30.

It's a first in space debris enforcement by the Commission, which has stepped up its satellite policy efforts, including establishing the Space Bureau and implementing its Space Innovation Agenda. And, DISH is forking over hundreds of thousands of dollars as part of a Consent Decree, with the money going to the U.S. Treasury.

On Wednesday, RBR+TVBR told its Members about a proposed fine handed to the licensee of low-powered television stations in Leavenworth, Washington. An entity in control of seven LPTVs licensed to a town just 15 minutes down the road is also being asked to fork over thousands of dollars to resolve the same matter: late license renewal submissions.

With 78 watts of power, a high school-run radio station provides gold-based Country music to Hunterdon County, N.J. And, just like any other FCC-licensed facility, it must, like its students, get its paperwork done on time or be subject to a penalty. In the case of WCVH-FM, a paperwork tardiness problem is being resolved.

It didn't take long for the senior Republican on the FCC to offer a public comment on a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking being circulated among the Commissioners from Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel that would restore Title II broadband classification. He's dead-set against the idea. But, is the GOP unable to stop it?

A non-profit association submitted its license renewal applications for five low-power TV stations serving the picturesque town of Leavenworth. There's just one problem: the licensee was late with submitting those applications by their due date. Now, it must pay up or seek a fine reduction or cancellation.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel on Tuesday formally announced a plan to bring back "Net Neutrality" at a National Press Club event in Washington, D.C. This InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM, offers comments directly from Rosenworcel on the proposal, and how detractors may wish to think twice while offering peaceful protest.  LISTEN HERE

Three equity interest holders of a pair of AM radio stations licensed to Taylorsville, N.C., passed away. But, the stations' owner failed to file involuntary transfer of control paperwork with the FCC within 30 days of their passing. As such, the FCC's Media Bureau investigated the matter. Now, it has agreed to a Consent Decree with the licensee, which will make a small payment to the U.S. Treasury.

The U.S. Black Chambers Inc. (USBC), in a move it says “has solidified its status as a pioneering trailblazer,” has purchased the National Association of Black-Owned Broadcasters (NABOB). This sees the advocacy organization “now seamlessly integrated into the newly established USBC Media Network.”

Failing to timely file a broadcast television station’s TV quarterly issues/programs lists, or "IP Lists," is a fine offense, as the FCC sees it. As such, an ABC affiliate owned by TEGNA must pay up for its tardiness.

Additionally, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel took a moment to not only welcome Michigan State University's Quello Chair in Media and Information Policy, but also congratulate the winners of the Commission’s Excellence in Economic Analysis and Excellence in Engineering Awards.

The FCC on Thursday adopted new rules to expedite its processing of space and earth station applications to meet the growing needs of today’s commercial space sector. As communications and other services increasingly rely on advanced space-based technologies, the agency is adjusting its processes to meet the demands of the new Space Age.

The EVP of Technology and Chief Technology Officer for the NAB is reaching out to broadcast television station licensees with a reminder of a FCC Public Notice that offers details on the deadline to certify the accuracy of their 13 GHz licenses. 

Amid an industry drop in the overall number of full-time statehouse reporters across the country, CPB funds will support seven stations as they add statehouse reporting capacity. The coverage must be shared with public media stations across the state, as well as other media organizations, it explains.