FCC rules requiring radio and television stations to broadcast disclosures for programming provided by foreign governmental entities go into effect today over the objection of some broadcast groups. Broadcasters are required not only to fully comply moving forward, but must also ensure that their existing airtime lease agreements come into compliance as soon as reasonably...… Continue Reading
FCC License renewal applications and associated EEO Program Reports are due on or before Friday, April 1st for radio licensees located in Delaware and Pennsylvania and television licensees in Texas. Radio and television stations must file renewals regardless of commercial or noncommercial status in the FCC’s licensing Management System (LMS). Both television and radio licensees...… Continue Reading
Recently we posted a blog alerting that the FCC was updating aspects of its political programming and recordkeeping rules. That FCC Order revised the definition of “legally qualified candidate for public office”, and also amended the political file rules. The revised rules are effective 30 days after publication of a summary of the order in...… Continue Reading
The FCC announced this week that Auction 112, an auction of 27 construction permits for full power TV stations, is set to begin on June 7, 2022. The auction procedures were set forth in a Public Notice, and participation will require certification that “the applicant has read the public notice adopting procedures for the auction...… Continue Reading
The Federal Communications Commission is cracking down on stations that are off the air for a majority of its license term. In June of 2021, Snake River Radio, LLC, applied to renew the license of KPCQ (AM) in Chubbuck, Idaho. However, the FCC’s review of the application and station records found that the station had...… Continue Reading
Today, the FCC released a Report and Order (Order), updating the political programming and recordkeeping rules for broadcast licensees, cable television system operators, Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) service providers, and Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) licensees. The Order revises the definition of “legally qualified candidate for public office” to add the use of social...… Continue Reading
On March 2, 2020, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (“VCDPA”) into law, making Virginia only the second state to enact such comprehensive data protection legislation (after California). The law itself becomes effective on January 1, 2023 and will be codified at Virginia Code §59.1-571. The VCDPA applies to all...… Continue Reading
On Friday, January 14, 2022, the FCC voted to adopt a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that provides detailed guidance for a long-term internet discount program: the Affordable Connectivity Program. The new rules take effect upon publication in the Federal Register, or after the appropriate publication period has passed – either...… Continue Reading
FCC License renewal applications and associated EEO Program Reports are due on or before Tuesday, February 1st for radio licensees located in New Jersey and New York and television licensees in Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. Radio and television stations must file renewals regardless of commercial or noncommercial status in the FCC’s licensing Management System (LMS). Both television and radio...… Continue Reading