Washington Beat

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.

The Chairwoman of the FCC on Tuesday personally thanked the Members of the Senate Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee for its decision to provide full funding for the Commission in FY 2024. "The work of the Commission matters," Jessica Rosenworcel noted as she noted particular achievements she's proud of — including the "PIRATE Act."

The FCC's Media Bureau is reminding both commercial and noncommercial broadcasters of their upcoming obligation to file 2023 biennial ownership reports on FCC Form 323 or 323-E, respectively.

The Federal Trade Commission recommends that businesses, social media influencers and others who market or promote products online to children should avoid blurring advertising by clearly separating advertising and entertainment, educational, and other content to help limit potential harms to children.

It's an honor reserved for individuals who have dedicated more than 4,000 hours of service to their respective fields and communities.  And, it has been bestowed upon an iconic radio industry figure who is widely known by multigenerational multicultural audiences across South Florida.

Grant Spellmeyer and Curtis LeGeyt will each have a chance to share their views on the state of the video marketplace on Wednesday afternoon at a Congressional hearing called for by key House Republicans. So will the co-founder and CEO of sports-first vMVPD FuboTV and, additionally, the Senior Policy Counsel for Consumer Reports.

NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt details three important areas where he believes FCC action is necessary "to keep broadcasting strong and enable vital local news." The commentary follows the September 7 Senate confirmation of Anna Gomez as the FCC's fifth Commissioner.