O’Rielly Speaks, One Day After Inhofe Re-Nom Halt
On Wednesday, Republican FCC Commissioner Mike O'Rielly delivered remarks before The Media Institute, a think tank "working for a strong First Amendment and Sound Communications Policy." What O'Rielly said may be the secondary story of the week. That's thanks to a GOP Senator who has placed a hold on O'Rielly's renomination as a Commissioner.
Broadcasters Caucus Chairs Send Letter Urging Support for Local Broadcasters
House and Senate leadership are being urged to earmark a portion of the funding provided within the upcoming Coronavirus relief package be dedicated to support local broadcasters who have experienced financial hardship during the pandemic.
‘Skinny’ Decrees For ASCAP, BMI Big Worries For NAB
As the organization representing local radio and TV broadcasters across the U.S. sees it, ASCAP and BMI antitrust consent decrees continue to be essential. As such, the NAB and its President/CEO have significant concerns with the so-called modified “skinny” decrees currently under consideration.
Elimination Of D.C. Ad Tax Plan Cheered by NAB
Thanks to an amendment, there will be no application of a levy on the purchase of advertising in the Nation's Capital, including the business costs associated with its planning, creation, placement and display of advertising. No other state in the nation has this tax.
O’Rielly, To Little Surprise, Gets Senate Commerce Nod For Another Term
It's a formality, but an important one for a FCC Commissioner. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved the nomination of a Republican who has taken a lead role in fighting unlicensed "pirate" radio operators — and drafted the NAB-influenced proposal to drastically deregulate local media ownership rules.
NEXTGEN TV Rule Change Date Affirmed by FCC
The Media Bureau announced Friday that the Next Gen TV Second Report & Order, Order on Reconsideration, and associated rule changes now have an official effective date. What does this mean for broadcast TV station licensees across the U.S.?
Broadcast Internet NPRM Comment Dates Set
On June 9, the FCC issued a Declaratory Ruling and NPRM designed to foster the growth of next-generation data services enabled by the transition of digital television to the ATSC 3.0 standard. Now, it has formally established a comment and reply comment period for its Broadcast Internet NPRM, something TV stations are poised to greatly benefit from.
House E&C Approves A Series Of Communications Bills
On to the House floor for seven communications bills and one House resolution approved on Wednesday by the Democratic-controlled House Energy & Commerce Committee. One of the pieces of legislation deals with media diversity, while a House Resolution introduced by a representative from Florida received an affirmative nod.
NAB On C-Band Transition: Satellite Operator ‘Modifications’ Urged
The NAB on Monday filed comments with the FCC regarding transition plans submitted by eligible satellite operators for vacating part of the C-band spectrum, a swath of spectrum used by local radio and TV broadcasters every day to deliver news, sports and other popular content for their broadcasts.
Repack Complete: TV’s Post Spectrum Auction Transition Ends On Time
Even with a pandemic potentially hampering the highly intricate and long-planned process, the FCC's post-incentive auction transition has successfully met its 39-month deadline. With its completion of the broadcast spectrum repack, NAB head Gordon Smith offered a statement expressing how "incredibly proud" he was of broadcast TV "for its herculean efforts."
FCC Reinstates ‘Certain Vacant FM Allotments’
With the approval of Nazifa Sawez, the Audio Division Assistant Chief in the FCC's Media Bureau, the Commission on Friday updated the FM Table of Allotments (“FM Table”) to reinstate "certain vacant FM allotments." What, exactly, does this mean?
Jazzy Jolt: A Buckeye State LPFM Gets Locale Warning
Where the Outerbelt meets East Broad Street is Mt. Carmel East Hospital and Columbus Country Club, due east of downtown Columbus, Ohio. It's also home to the tower for a 100-watt FM offering up traditional jazz programming. Or, is it? This LPFM has been warned by the FCC for its operation from an unauthorized site.
House Subcommittee Signals Increased Funding for Public Broadcasting
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies has recommended $515 million in advance funding for public broadcasting in 2023. This was met with applause from America's Public Television Stations, the nonprofit organization "ensuring a strong and financially sound public television system."
Paternity Leave For Johnson Brings Acting GC To FCC
The FCC's General Counsel, Thomas M. Johnson Jr., will be on paternity leave starting next week. As such, an Acting General Counsel for Litigation will be in place at the Commission through September 4.
RBR+TVBR INFOCUS PODCAST: Widelity’s FCC Fine Avoidance Plans
A Northern Virginia-based business and network engineering consulting services firm that works closely with the broadcasting industry has just launched a new practice division. As Widelity Corporation describes it, the division is "one that could save radio and television stations thousands of dollars in FCC fines." Really? Doubters should listen to this podcast.
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