All FM Translator Interference Rules to Become Effective on August 13, and August 15 Deadline for Comments on Reconsideration Filings

By |2019-08-01T10:26:44-05:00August 1st, 2019|Legal News|

The FCC’s new rules setting out a procedure to resolve complaints of interference from FM translators to full power stations will become effective on August 13. Initially, as we noted in our list of August regulatory dates for broadcasters, only the new policy allowing translators that cause interference to move to any available channel in... Continue Reading…

FCC Enforcement Monitor ~ July 2019

By |2019-07-31T11:28:40-05:00July 31st, 2019|Legal News|

Pillsbury’s communications lawyers have published FCC Enforcement Monitor monthly since 1999 to inform our clients of notable FCC enforcement actions against FCC license holders and others.  This month’s issue includes: Pennsylvania AM Station’s “Shenanigans” in Connection With Tower Violations Lead to $25,000 Fine Georgia and North Carolina Radio Station Licenses at Risk Due to Unpaid […]

FCC Extends Comment Dates on Rulemaking to Evaluate the Effectiveness of its EEO Rules

By |2019-07-31T09:54:26-05:00July 31st, 2019|Legal News|

The FCC yesterday issued an Order announcing that it was extending the comment dates for its rulemaking to examine the effectiveness of its EEO rules. We summarized that rulemaking here. The new comment deadline is September 20, with reply comments now due by November 4. As we wrote here, this proceeding has already attracted the... Continue Reading…

August Regulatory Dates for Broadcasters – License Renewals, EEO, Music Consent Decree Comments, EAS Test, LPFM NPRM and More

By |2019-07-29T10:43:10-05:00July 29th, 2019|Legal News|

Once upon a time, August was a quiet month in Washington, when everyone went on vacation. Sure, there are plenty of vacations that will happen this coming month, but it seems that regulatory activity no longer takes a break. For example, August 1 is the due date for the filing with the FCC of license... Continue Reading…

Another Warning Letter on CBD Promotional Copy – and Some Ideas on Timing of Government Clarity on Rules on Legal Hemp Products

By |2019-07-26T11:16:33-05:00July 26th, 2019|Legal News|

CBD has been a hot topic for media companies – trying to decipher what products are legal and which can be advertised. We have written a number of articles on CBD, hemp and other cannabis advertising issues (see, for instance, our articles here, here, and here). Each of these articles highlights the confusion about the... Continue Reading…

Another Warning Letter on CBD Promotional Copy – and Some Ideas on Timing of Government Clarity on Rules on Legal Hemp Products

By |2019-07-26T11:16:33-05:00July 26th, 2019|Legal News|

CBD has been a hot topic for media companies – trying to decipher what products are legal and which can be advertised. We have written a number of articles on CBD, hemp and other cannabis advertising issues (see, for instance, our articles here, here, and here). Each of these articles highlights the confusion about the... Continue Reading…

Upcoming FCC Broadcast and Telecom Deadlines for August – October

By |2019-07-25T10:52:57-05:00July 25th, 2019|Legal News|

Broadcast Deadlines: August 1, 2019: License Renewal Pre-Filing Announcements – Radio stations located in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands must begin broadcasts of their pre-filing announcements with regard to their applications for renewal of the license.  These announcements must be continued on August 16, September 1, and September 16. Radio Post-Filing Announcements –...… Continue Reading

Rules Requiring FCC Reporting of False EAS Alerts and Allowing Live Event Code Tests Become Effective

By |2019-07-25T10:09:43-05:00July 25th, 2019|Legal News|

Last year, as we wrote here, the FCC adopted a number of new rules regarding its emergency communications practices using the EAS system. At that time, soon after all the attention that had been given to the EAS alerts about the false Hawaii missile attack, the FCC adopted rules requiring stations to report to the... Continue Reading…

Looking at Equal Opportunities – When Does the Appearance of a Political Candidate on a Broadcast Program Trigger Equal Time Obligations?

By |2019-07-24T10:44:30-05:00July 24th, 2019|Legal News|

In the last few days, much has been written about the decision of a national radio broadcaster to prohibit the host of a country music radio program from airing an interview of a Democratic Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg on a nationally syndicated program. This decision has prompted many questions as to when the FCC’s equal... Continue Reading…

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