FCC Moves Forward With Two Pai-Penned Modernization Proposals
In late July, Ajit Pai presented his FCC colleagues with two new proposals to modernize and streamline the agency’s processes. Each of the plans have been adopted by the Commission, setting the wheels in motion on a NPRM and a proposal to streamline administrative hearings.
ACA Connects: Thanks, FCC, For Proposal We Suggested
One of the MVPD industry's biggest voices in Washington has given an affirmative nod to a FCC proposal that would adopt its recommendation that cable operators transition to the use of e-mail to deliver certain required notices to broadcast TV stations.
On-Air Public Notice ‘Modernization’ Up For FCC Vote
Wish there was a way to perhaps modernize and simplify the written and on-air public notices your broadcast stations must air after filing certain applications with the FCC? Guess what? The Commission's got your back, and a vote at its September Open Meeting could bring the change.
Dorian Delay: Repack Phase 5 Completion Extended
Thanks to the threat that slow-moving Hurricane Dorian still poses for vast portions of the Southeastern U.S. coastline, the phase completion date for phase 5 of the Transition Scheduling Plan for the post-Incentive Auction transition has been pushed back by five days.
FCC’s CG Office Sees Gossett Rise To Chief
The individual who has been serving as Deputy General Counsel for Litigation in the FCC's Office of General Counsel has just been promoted to Chief of Staff. At the same time, the Deputy General Counsel for Administrative Law is filling the Litigation Post.
Understanding the ‘Mock’ Inspection Program
As a featured columnist for RBR+TVBR, Ken Benner receives many inquiries regarding his role as a conductor of "alternative" broadcast facility inspections. Today, he's offered a Q&A to best address what he and his wife Karen provide to radio and TV stations, and why they do it.
Large Telcos, Attorneys General Agree on Anti-Robocall Principles
Twelve large telecom companies and the attorneys general of 50 states and D.C. announced August 22 an agreement on eight voluntary principles that the companies will adopt to combat illegal and unwanted robocalls. It's a subject generating more complaints at the FCC than anything else.
CPB Puts Nearly $2M To Public Radio Election 2020 Efforts
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has awarded a Kansas City-based public radio station that just agreed to purchase a facility for a 24/7 Classical station a grant to lead a nationwide noncomm community listening and engagement projected tied around the 2020 elections.
Prince Is Pai’s Pick For FCC Chief Economist
A professor in the Indiana University Kelley School of Business has been appointed as chief economist at the Federal Communications Commission. He will begin work at the commission on Sept. 3, working directly under Chairman Ajit Pai.
FCC To Three Licensees: Pay Up, Or You’re Dead
A trio of AM radio stations across the South have each been ordered by Washington to pay their overdue regulatory fees, plus interest and any administrative costs, right now. If not, the FCC has agreed move forward with a license revocation hearing.
Pai’s Deep South Swing To Review Diminishing Digital Divide
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai is quite the traveler. To commemorate the 103rd birthday of the National Park Service, Pai took to Twitter to post a pic of him hiking up a snowy Half Dome at Yosemite. This week, Pai is hitting the road once again. A visit to a radio station in one small city is on the agenda.
KidVid Further NPRM Comment Date Set
The Commission set deadlines for filing comments and reply comments at 30 and 60 days, respectively, after publication of the FNPRM in the Federal Register. That happened August 16.
Saving Lives, One Radio Spot At A Time
With kids starting to return to school across the U.S. ahead of the Labor Day holiday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has turned to broadcast radio to get the word out on the top tips one should heed when hitting the road and staying out of trouble.
NAB Launches 2019 Congressional PSAs
The PSAs will air on local stations in congressional districts and/or states through the end of 2019. PSA topics include support for veterans, prescription drug/opioid abuse prevention, support for small businesses, cancer prevention, mental health awareness, and encouraging blood donations.
How The Media Fuels Terrorism … and What Can Be Done
This column, says Media Information Bureau columnist Ken Benner, is respectfully dedicated to the memory of the thousands of innocent worldwide terrorism victims and to those who will continue to suffer the same fate as these horrific practices continue to escalate.