Legislative Update
FCC Repeals COVID-Era Accommodation that Allowed Broadcasters to Offer Businesses Free Advertising Time Without LUC Implications
On May 15, the FCC’s Media Bureau released a Public Notice announcing that it was repealing the COVID related guidance released in March 2020 that allowed broadcasters, local cable operators, and other media companies subject to the requirements that political candidates be offered Lowest Unit Rates during pre-election periods, to offer free advertising time to advertisers and other local businesses without those spots being considered in calculating the LUC during the periods that these spots were running.
Read MoreFCC Regulatory Fees May Be Going……Down!
InsideRadio reports that after four consecutive years of paying more in annual regulatory fees, the radio industry is in line for a rollback this year. Under a proposal drafted by the Federal Communications Commission, most stations would see their annual fee shrink by five percent – but some of the smallest stations could see a reduction of as much as 43%.
Read MoreReminder About Broadcasters’ FCC EEO Obligations After the April’s First 2023 Audit of Station Performance
We thought that we should post our customary article describing the audit requirements and the basics of the FCC EEO rules as a reminder to all stations as to their general FCC EEO obligations. The FCC has promised to randomly audit approximately 5% of all broadcast stations each year. As the response (and the audit letter itself) must be uploaded to the public file, it can be reviewed not only by the FCC, but also by anyone else with an internet connection anywhere, at any time.
Read MoreMichigan Lawmakers and Northern Michigan Broadcaster Join Efforts to Reverse Ford AM Radio Decision
Inside Radio reports that as part of the ongoing campaign to reverse Ford Motor Company’s decision to remove AM radio from most new and updated models in 2024, eight House Representatives in Ford’s home state of Michigan have sent a letter to its board of directors making a case for keeping the legacy band in cars.
Read MoreMay Regulatory Dates for Broadcasters – Rulemaking Comments on Various TV Issues and More
May is relatively light on scheduled regulatory deadlines for broadcasters, but the following dates are worthy of note. In addition, always remember to keep in touch with your legal and regulatory advisors to make sure that you don’t overlook any regulatory deadlines that are specific to your station.
Read MoreFCC Announces New Round of EEO Audits: 10 Michigan Stations on List
The Enforcement Bureau annually audits the EEO programs of randomly selected broadcast licensees. Each year, approximately five percent of all radio and television stations are selected for EEO audits.
Read MoreAM Radio Listeners Enjoy Rich Mix of Music and News on Thousands of Broadcast Stations Across America
“The goal of our station survey was three-fold. First, we wanted to confirm AM radio’s diverse landscape of formats, languages, and ownership. Second, we wanted to quantify AM radio’s crucial part in the nation’s Emergency Alert System. And third, we wanted feedback that will guide our state association response going forward”
Read MoreProtect AM Radio in Vehicles
Recently headlines have come out about auto manufacturers considering removing AM radio from vehicles. On behalf of more than 230 radio stations in the state, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters is working to identify ways to preserve radio in cars and make lawmakers and car manufacturers aware of how dangerous removing terrestrial radio from vehicles will be for public safety.
Read MoreBroadcasters Beware – April Fools Day Can Trigger FCC Concerns
Every year at about this time, we worry that radio stations may be tempted to run some big April Fools’ Day stunt. But, with the country seemingly on edge because of natural and human emergencies in the news almost every day, a prank that may seem funny to some could trigger concerns with others.
Read MoreMarch Madness and Advertising: Use of NCAA Trademarks (2023 Update – Parts 1 & 2)
With Selection Sunday this (past) weekend, the 2023 NCAA Collegiate Basketball Tournament is about to begin. As faithful readers of this blog know, broadcasters, publishers and other businesses need to be wary about potential claims arising from their use of terms and logos associated with the tournament.
Read More