Court Orders FCC to Complete Quadrennial Review by December 27 – What are the Issues for Review by the Commission?

By |2023-10-03T09:56:11-05:00October 3rd, 2023|Legal News|

Last week, as we noted in our weekly summary of regulatory actions of importance to broadcasters, the US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued an Order directing the FCC to complete its 2018 Quadrennial Regulatory Review of its broadcast ownership rules by December 27, 2023, or show cause why the National Association of... Continue Reading…

5 Questions for Broadcasters on the Upcoming Nationwide EAS Test

By |2023-09-29T10:48:15-05:00September 29th, 2023|Legal News|

The Nationwide EAS Test is scheduled for October 4.  Some had wondered if the test would be delayed if the government shut down over budget issues. While an alert could be transmitted whether or not nonessential government employees were working, there was a fear that the EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS) would not be operational. ... Continue Reading…

FCC Enforcement Monitor September 2023

By |2023-09-28T13:26:01-05:00September 28th, 2023|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: FCC Proposes $116,156,250 Robocalling Fine for Over 20,000 Calls to Toll Free Numbers Illinois Class A TV Station Pays Nearly Six-Figure Penalty for FCC Violations […]

October Regulatory Dates for Broadcasters – Nationwide EAS Test, Annual EEO Public File Reports, Retransmission Consent Elections, Biennial Ownership Reports, and More (If the Government is Open)

By |2023-09-28T10:13:07-05:00September 28th, 2023|Legal News|

On paper, this October appears to be a busy month for regulatory deadlines.  But the lack of congressional action to fund the federal government for the coming year (or “continuing resolutions” adopted to allow government agencies to function at their current levels) is making a federal government shutdown appear inevitable.  If a government shutdown does... Continue Reading…

Broadcaster’s Legal Considerations for Early Season Political Ads

By |2023-09-22T10:06:47-05:00September 22nd, 2023|Legal News|

With the 2024 election looming, broadcasters are already receiving requests for political advertising time, from PACs and other issue groups, and from both established candidates and newcomers eager to make an early splash to enhance their public standing.  Some of these potential buyers advance unique policy positions and, sometimes, unusual ad buying strategies.  How are... Continue Reading…

2023 Third Quarter Issues/Programs List Advisory for Broadcast Stations

By |2023-09-18T16:47:57-05:00September 18th, 2023|Legal News|

The next Quarterly Issues/Programs List (“Quarterly List”) must be placed in stations’ Public Inspection Files by October 10, 2023, reflecting information for the months of July, August, and September 2023. Content of the Quarterly List The FCC requires each broadcast station to air a reasonable amount of programming responsive to significant community needs, issues, and […]

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