Washington Beat

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel today circulated a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to her colleagues to initiate a proceeding to understand challenges related to distribution and supply in this market, especially as it relates to independent programming.

Reauthorization of the NTIA took center stage on Capitol Hill Wednesday morning, as the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology gathered in the Rayburn House Office Building with the principal purpose of ensuring the agency "is advancing American leadership."

The woman who has served as FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr's Legal Advisor since 2021 has departed the agency. Who is Danielle Thumann's successor in the office of the Republican Commissioner seeking a renomination confirmation in the U.S. Senate?

The licensee of a pair of low-power television stations has been handed a small Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture for failing to submit the LPTV's license renewal applications to the Commission in a timely manner.

SiriusXM has agreed to give the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) access to secure bandwidth on the satellite radio firm's proprietary satellite radio system, a move that provides additional connectivity between the agency and the National Public Warning System network.

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.