FCC Order Axes ‘Obsolete’ Public File Requirements
The Commission on Wednesday (3/18) adopted an Order making revisions to parts 73 and 76 of the Commission's rules. This eliminates what the FCC has considered to be obsolete transitional public file requirement language in its regulations.
Pai Commends Radio, TV For Coronavirus Response … and DISH Deals
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai on Monday held a conference call yesterday with TV and radio broadcasters, and broadcaster trade associations, to thank broadcasters for their efforts to educate the American people about the coronavirus pandemic and discuss additional ways that broadcasters can help Americans stay safe and informed during the coronavirus outbreak.
A New Perspective For FCC EEO Regulations
A recent column appearing in another trade publication caught the attention of Media Information Bureau featured columnist Ken Benner. In his view, the piece "shed a whole new light of comprehension of the most egregious legislation plaguing U.S. Broadcasting defined as discrimination."
‘Largest Ever Spectrum Auction’ From FCC Is Done
"By making more low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum available, promoting the deployment of wireless infrastructure, and modernizing regulations to advance fiber deployment—the three components of the FCC’s 5G FAST plan—the FCC is enabling American consumers to reap the substantial benefits that will come from the next generation of wireless connectivity," the Commission said.
How Hispanics In Two Key States See Biden, Sanders
Arizona and Florida have significant numbers of Hispanic voters. With 2020 Democratic presidential primaries on their way to those states, Telemundo has released the results of a pair of surveys they conducted with Latino voters in those states who are likely to vote. The information could prove interesting to Spanish-language radio and TV C-Suiters.
A Michigan Voter Media Usage Study: Keys For TV Dollars
In February, TVB commissioned Dynata to conduct a study of registered Democratic voters in Michigan to gain an understanding of media usage, and attitudes toward traditional and digital platforms. Over 950 respondents were surveyed and to qualify, each respondent had to be a registered voter and had to have been exposed to any of over 20 media sources in the prior 24-hour period.
Benner On Washington: ‘Just Pay The FCC Fine — Or…’
Media Information Bureau featured columnist Ken Benner tells us that many, many classic examples of very questionable FCC fines, fees, forfeitures and legal expenses exist. And, apparently not even death is a defense against such charges.
House’s SubCommTech Group To Markup Diversity Rules
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone Jr. and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle are putting the final plans together for a Subcommittee markup of 11 bills scheduled for Tuesday. Media diversity legislation is on the docket.
RTDNF’s Great Eight Honors Muir, Others at D.C. Awards Dinner
The Radio Television Digital News Foundation last week honored journalism professionals dedicated to defending the First Amendment. There were seven nominees in all, and we have their names.
ACA Connects Postpones Summit Due To Coronavirus
In a purely precautionary move, the association representing small and independently owned MVPDs is postponing its annual summit in Washington, D.C., over coronavirus-fueled COVID-19 concerns. ACA Connects confirms the event will go ahead at a future date.
FCC Takes Precautionary Moves On COVID-19
The Commission has taken preventive steps to protect the health of its staff. It will continue to monitor developments and will implement additional precautions (or relax current precautions) should circumstances warrant. Travel of FCC Chairman Ajit Pai is being evaluated in the long-term, with no changes presently being considered.
Media Bureau Announces Disclosure Deadline
The National Defense Authorization Act calls on all U.S.-based foreign media outlets to submit reports every six months to the FCC regarding their relations to their foreign principals. The due date for the fourth report is April 11. Count on Sputnik Radio to submit what it needs to for its programming in Kansas City and in Washington, D.C.
An FCC Inspector General Nomination Is Coming
Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi is the Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees the FCC. On March 11, he will hold a nomination hearing that will consider individuals for posts at the Department of Transportation, Commerce Department and the Commission. Who is the person President Trump thinks should have a Commission post?
Benner on Washington: ‘Fear Not the FCC Inspectors’
From Day One in 1995, Ken Benner believed it was essential to document all of the items involved with conducting "mock" broadcast inspections. There are two very important reasons for this. "First was to protect myself from efforts to discredit my performance," Benner says. "The second was to evaluate suggested improvements to the program I offered."
New York Festivals To Honor National Press Club
New York Festivals will honor the National Press Club with its Lifetime Achievement Award on Tuesday, April 21 at the inaugural NYF Storytellers gala. It is set to take place at the 2020 NAB Show in Las Vegas, which remains on schedule.