House E&C Committee Plans Oversight Hearing on Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks have been particularly vicious to broadcast media companies. The Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the House Committee that oversees the FCC is putting a microscope on these attacks.
FCC to Vote on Two New ‘Innovation Zones’
FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has proposed establishing two East Coast metropolises as innovation zones to allow for advanced wireless communications and network innovation and research. These designations would, among other positive impacts, help spur the development and integration of 5G network technologies and Open RAN.
House Committee Earmarks $20M For NextGen Warning System
The House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday recommended $20 million for public broadcasting’s Next Generation Warning System within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the Fiscal Year 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill.
Advanced Funding Recommendation For Public Radio, TV Cheered
America’s Public Television Stations have given their support to a recommendation by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies for advance funding for public broadcasting in Fiscal Year 2024.
The FCC Wants Your Say On LPTV, TV Translator CP Auction
The FCC's "Auction 111" is coming, and the Commission has just set its Comment and Reply Comment Dates so it may hear from the public on competitive bidding procedures. The auction involves Construction Permits for Low Power TV stations and for TV translators.
FCC Goes After Gray For Alaska Ownership ‘Violation’
What happens when your broadcast TV duopoly is too successful? Just ask Gray Television. The FCC has just proposed a fine against the company for its "apparent violation" of its Top Four rule. This puts the initial success and plan of action for its Alaska operations in question.
NAB Speaks Out On Incidents Involving Broadcast Journalists
The President/CEO of the NAB says the nation's biggest lobbying organization representing broadcast media "is gravely concerned" by recent incidents of violence directed against broadcast journalists who are covering local news.
With A Catskills FM CP Erased, ‘Auction 109’ Set for Late July
Some 114 applicants are qualified to bid in "Auction 109," the Commission's plan to offer four AM construction permits that will replace deleted facilities in St. Louis and some 135 FM construction permits. However, anyone hoping to bid on a facility in the Catskills region of New York is out of luck.
Transition at the Top for House E&C Committee Staff
After 25 years on Capitol Hill, the Staff Director of the influential House Energy & Commerce Committee, which has oversight of the FCC, is planning his August departure from the legislative body.
Media Ownership Rule ‘Modernization’ Now Official
The FCC has quietly released a public notice confirming that its reinstated media ownership rules — legislation that the acting chairwoman, Jessica Rosenworcel, voted against — are now effective. The effective date? Yesterday.
Guidance Issued for Aug. 11 National EAS Test
Digital Alert Systems, the New York-based emergency communications product developer for broadcast media, has released its guidance ahead of the next National Periodic Test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). That's scheduled for August 11 at 2:20pm Eastern, and all broadcast and cable operators must participate in the test.
Interagency Agreement to Coordinate Broadband Funding Deployment
The respective leaders of the FCC, USDA and NTIA say their agencies will consult with one another and share information about the distribution of new funds from the FCC’s high-cost programs that support broadband buildout in rural areas, the USDA’s Rural Utilities Services grant and loan programs, and programs administered or coordinated by NTIA.
As Expected, NAB Condemns Issa, Deutch Radio Act
It took exactly 60 minutes for the biggest lobbying voice for commercially licensed broadcast media to issue a statement that predictably pans the introduction in the U.S. House of Representatives of the "American Music Fairness Act."
MMTC To Welcome ex-FCC Chairs at Virtual Symposium
Four individuals who have led the Federal Communications Commission in the past will be participating in a virtual symposium being organized by the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council. The event will also see the MMTC recognize and honor retired President/CEO Maurita Coley for her 10 years of service.
NAB Urges FCC To Toss Translator-Sized LPFM Ideas
It appears a new petition for rulemaking seeking a LPFM power increase to 250 watts — the same power as an FM translator — has surfaced. To little surprise, the NAB has already voiced its opposition to the request. We have a RBR+TVBR OBSERVATION to share on this subject, and the NAB will be pleased. Sort of.