Washington Beat

Fletcher Heald & Hildreth partner Frank Montero sat alongside Gray Television SVP/Government Relations & Distribution Robert J. Folliard III, NAB Chief Legal Officer Rick Kaplan, and Beasley Media Group EVP/General Counsel Chris Ornelas at Wednesday's Forecast conference to share how what's happening Inside the Beltway is impacting broadcast media across the U.S.

Creating dialogue and exchanging ideas among broadcast companies regarding talent management, retention and DEI best practices. That was the focus of a Human Resources and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Forum held Tuesday in Washington, hosted by the NAB and the NABLF.

A request to cancel a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture from a low-power religious station serving the Twin Tiers region of Western New York and Pennsylvania has been granted by the FCC's Media Bureau.

The FCC has agreed to extend its deadline for accepting applications from graduating law students and current judicial clerks for its Fall 2023 Attorney Honors Program. Hurricane Nicole is one of the reasons for the extension.

In the eyes of its founders, Prometheus Radio Project is on a mission to support "media democracy" and low-power FM radio. That explains their informal objections to 328 cross-service FM translator applications filed in the FCC's Auction 99 and 100 windows. All but one of those petitions were dismissed. Now, the final petition in that group has been rendered moot.

The anchor and managing editor of what is today known as the PBS NewsHour will exit the anchor desk on Dec. 30 to begin work on a two-year project "to understand better how the American people see their country and whether today’s deep political divisions can be healed." As such, veteran journalist Judy Woodruff is far from retiring.

What were some of the key achievements of the NAB seen under his leadership? What battles still need to be waged in Washington on behalf of its member radio and TV stations? Forecast 2023 attendees will get the exclusive insight into the leadership of Curtis LeGeyt when he sits down with the President of Hearst Television for an exclusive conversation.

What sway could the electorate have on the FCC, and on broadcasting, by turning control of the House of Representatives over to the Republican Party? A Forecast 2023 panel moderated by esteemed communications lawyer Francisco Montero will tackle the timely subject head on.

The FCC's Communications Equity and Diversity Council has given an affirmative nod to a report that outlines the most effective ways to prevent digital discrimination and to promote digital equity across the U.S. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel was pleased with the approval.

"In this rush to election day, broadcasters need to be on the alert for allegations that an attack ad from a non-candidate group is false or defamatory, because in certain instances, the ad could result in a claim against the broadcaster," esteemed Washington, D.C. communications attorney David Oxenford warns.

Add Kelly Coldiron, Executive Director of the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations, to the list of supporters that want the FCC to approve TEGNA's takeover by Soo Kim-led Standard General.

The Chairwoman of the FCC has revealed a plan to reorganize the agency to "better support the needs of the growing satellite industry," as well as to promote "long-term technical capacity" at the Commission and navigate 21st century global communications policy. Under the plan, the FCC International Bureau will be transformed.

The FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology has conditionally approved 13 proposed AFC database systems to finalize development for operations in the 6 GHz band and prepare for the testing phase. These systems manage spectrum access for 6 GHz band standard-power unlicensed devices.

It's been well documented by groups such as the TVB that there's no better outlet for political advertising than broadcast television. But, would a mix of spots that incorporates streaming TV be even more impactful for a candidate? A new research study says yes.

The Commission is opening a new window for applications under its Honors Engineer Program.  During this window, the FCC will be accepting applications from recent graduates with an engineering degree and current students graduating in December 2022.