Washington Beat

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.

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.

In reply comments filed with the FCC regarding its plans for FY 2021 regulatory fees, the NAB says the Commission has the authority to ensure that all industries pay for their "fair share" of the agency's indirect costs. As such, "Big Tech" companies and other unlicensed spectrum users should pay regulatory fees "to more accurately reflect" the FCC's work.

The Commission this week adopted an Order on Reconsideration that it says "modernizes" its technical rules for low-power FM stations. As such, amendments of Parts 73 and 74 are on the way without any change from the Commission's original plan of action, adjusting the FCC's Low Power FM Radio Service Technical Rules.

One of the nation's key advocacy groups for African American broadcasters has called on Members of Congress to support the Local Radio Freedom Act, a resolution that would "protect" AM and FM radio stations from "being forced to pay significant additional new performance royalties."

Fourteen members of the House of Representatives and a trio of U.S. Senators have added their support to the Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA) — a resolution opposing "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations.

The FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has confirmed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Commission, has selected the day it will conduct a nationwide test of the EAS and Wireless Emergency Alerts.

He offered a keynote address at the 2018 Radio Show in Orlando. He returned to the lineup of guest speakers for the virtual 2020 Radio Show. Now, Rishad Tobaccowala has booked a trip to Las Vegas in early October to once again deliver a keynote address to Radio Show attendees.

Late in the day on June 4 proved to be the perfect time for the Commission to adopt an Order that puts its long-awaited loosening of local media ownership rules into effect — something the acting Chairwoman voted against during the leadership of Ajit Pai.

The honor will be bestowed upon NPR's signature afternoon news and analysis program at the 2021 NAB Show. Executive producer Cara Tallo and host Ailsa Chang will accept the award at the NAB Show Welcome event. "ATC" celebrated its 50th year of broadcasting in May.

The woman who has served as President/CEO of the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC) is no longer in the role. Effective today, Maurita Coley has retired from the Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group. Her replacement is immediately taking over her position.

Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has outlined the agenda for the agency's June 17 Open Commission Meeting. While radio and TV broadcasting leaders have had little of late to be mindful of, there is a matter involving low-power radio stations that may be worthy of your attention. 

Two key House GOP Members have just paid a trip to the White House. Why? To talk about the "American Broadband Act" — a topic broadcasting executives may wish to pay more attention to, given the rapid growth of streaming audio and Connected TV/OTT platforms.

The formal presentation of the honor to the former Republican U.S. Senator from Oregon is set for Radio's Financial Summit: Forecast 2022, scheduled for November 16 at the Harvard Club in New York.

Radio and Television license applications are due Tuesday (6/1) for stations located in several states. What are the other highly important deadlines you should take note of between now and the end of August? Fletcher Heald & Hildreth put together a handy checklist that's worth sharing with your leadership team.