The internet and digital technology have transformed the way the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadcast regulations operate. Previously, agencies were required to provide access to their public files in paper format. Now the FCC requires applicable agencies to post their public inspection files online. As a result, radio stations and service providers are forced to keep up with faster-paced filing to maintain compliance with the FCC. Find out how to manage this new dilemma for your broadcast station so you can take advantage of the security and accessibility that online filing provides for the public.
FCC Broadcast Regulations Change of Reporting
The Public and Broadcasting discusses FCC broadcast regulations and how these have changed due to modernization. As of 2012, public inspection file requirements for Class A TV and full-power stations were moved online to FCC Public Files. In 2016, the transformation continued. At this time, broadcast radio licensees were also required to post their public files online.
Considerations of New Posting Method
The major benefit of providing public files online is markedly increased accessibility to the public, as well as security of information. On the other hand, stations are required to maintain digital documentation on their own or else face noncompliance with FCC broadcast regulations. While the Commission states it works to remove the burden of public affairs filing regulations, there still remains the extra tech challenge, time, and work involved with filing online.
About FCC Public Files Requirements
According to FCC broadcast regulations, the following agencies are required to maintain public files:
- Cable television systems
- Television stations
- Radio stations
- Direction broadcast satellite providers (DBS)
- Satellite digital audio radio services (SDARS)
This includes “virtually all licensees and permittees of TV and radio stations, and applicants for new broadcast stations,” according to the FCC. Stations and service providers must include in their files:
- The political time that is sold and given away
- Quarterly lists of significant programs aired related to community issues, aka public affairs
- Ownership information for the station
- Active applications currently on file with the FCC
Additional FCC public affairs requirements for public and political filing vary among SDARS, DBS, and cable television systems. The public file must include certain documents including:
- FCC Authorizations
- Applications and Related Materials
- Contour Maps
- Ownership Reports and Related Materials
- Equal Employment Opportunity File
- The Public and Broadcasting Manual
- Children’s Television Programming Reports
- Citizen Agreements
- Political File
- Material Relating to FCC Investigations and Complaints
- Issues/Programs Lists
- Donor Lists for Non-Commercial Educational Channels (“NCEs”)
- Records Concerning Children’s Programming Commercial Limits
- Local Public Notice Announcements
- Time Brokerage Agreements
- Must-Carry or Retransmission Consent Election Elections—this can be content broadcast via must carry or retransmission consent
- Joint Sales Agreements
- Class A TV Continuing Eligibility Documentation
- Sponsorship Identification – Political Matter and Controversial Issues of Public Importance
- Shared Services Agreements
- Information on Third-Party Fundraising by NCE stations
In addition, cable system public inspection files must be maintained for applicable agencies. These public files include:
- Political file featuring extensive information for documentation
- Equal Employment Opportunity file
- Commercial records on children’s programs
- Performance tests (channels delivered)
- Leased access
- Availability of signals
- Operator interests in video programming
- Sponsorship identification
- Compatibility with consumer electronics equipment
- Geographic information
- Cable employment units
For direction broadcast satellite providers there are fewer filing requirements:
- Political file featuring all requests and final depositions and reconciliation of the deal
- Commercial records on children’s programs
- Equal Employment Opportunity file
- Records regarding the noncommercial set-aside
The satellite digital audio radio services also have requirements including:
- Political file
- Equal Employment Opportunity file
- Records regarding the noncommercial set-aside
Receiving Assistance With FCC Compliance for Radio Stations
To maintain FCC compliance, consider the services offered here at MediaTracks. We provide public affairs programming for your radio station along with quarterly reports of the issues covered. These will assist in easily keeping your station in compliance with the FCC rules. Our award-winning programming and exemplary affiliate service makes it easy to meet and exceed FCC requirements for public affairs reporting.
Make MediaTracks Your FCC Regulatory Manager
We have been producing high-quality programming and handling FCC public affairs broadcast regulation requirements for years—long before the internet even existed. Through our free syndicated public affairs programming, we are ready to assist you with maintaining compliance with FCC requirements. Save time and utilize our quality shows as you tackle those filing requirements. Contact MediaTracks Communications at 847-299-9500 to receive additional information today.
