We are only 30 days away from the six-month warning bell when all radio all broadcasters must be have their FCC online public file fully functional. Broadcasters who are mindful of their public file responsibilities will recall that in June 2016, the online public file rules became effective for larger commercial radio stations; those in the top 50 Neilson markets with five or more full-time employees. The Commission granted a two-year grace period to all other broadcasters.

On March 1st, 2018, the online public file requirement attaches to all broadcasters including radio stations outside the top-50 markets, all stations regardless of the number of employees, and noncommercial educational stations. Effective March 1st, 2018, it will be the responsibility of all broadcast licensees to make sure that the full public file is loaded online on the Commission's website.

The FCC will accept FM Translator Window 3 Applications from proposed assignees of on file assignment applications for AM Class C and Class D AM stations. Given the extremely short filing window, a critical problem was presented by the requirement that applications ...

Kicking off the first summer month of 2017, on June 1st the FCC released the much-anticipated the third round in new FM translators for AM stations. The first of two new FM cross-service translator auction filing windows were announced for July 26th through August 2nd. ...

The FCC has just released declaratory ruling that broad outreach in hiring may now be achieved under its rules solely with Internet notice, provided certain standards are met. To understand this development, a little history is useful. It is nearly 15 years since the ...

By the time you read this, many of you will have learned Roy Stewart, former FCC Media Bureau Chief, passed away last week. Roy Stewart was one of a kind and holds a special place in the hearts and minds of nearly every person involved with media law and regulation in ...

I’ve warned about hoaxes before, but with a new administration in town, and “fake news” being the topic of the day, it might be a good idea to return to the topic.  With all the talk about deregulation, regulatory review and elevation of business ...

In 2015, the FCC finally acted on proposals to "revitalize" AM radio, bringing its diverse programming to the larger audience captured by the FM dial. Six proposals were adopted, but the most impactful so far has been the opening of the 250-mile move-in FM translator ...

Don't close it down just yet - but get ready. In his first FCC meeting leading the Commission, newly appointed Chairman Pai delivered on expectations that he would feel the pain of broadcasters. As one of his very first items served up for action, the Commission ...

Happy New Year! It's that time again for the first FCC regulatory responsibility of 2017. As we have notified you before, every broadcast licensee must place their issues and programs list in the station public file on a quarterly basis every January 10th, April 10th, ...

No one in the radio industry could have missed the recent news that Global Music Rights ("GMR") the new music rights organization, has now offered an interim license to broadcasters while it continues to work out a deal with the Radio Music License Committee ("RMLC"). ...