FCC Update
The FCC Update column covers news and information from the Federal Communications Commission and Capitol Hill, and other legislative actions.
FCC proposes overhaul of AM/FM allocation standards
The core changes deal with the priorities applied under Section 307(b) of the Communications Act when proposals for new stations or community changes are being considered.
Relaxation of LPFM interference standards
Two bills introduced in Congress would statutorily eliminate LPFM's third-adjacent channel protections to full-power FM stations.
Filing fees, moment method modeling and broadcasting phone calls
The FCC was not able to implement the new application fees in January, so despite the Federal Register notice the agency has continued to charge the old fees. But the latest announced implementation date, April 28, is firm.
FCC cracks down on noncommercial "commercials"
What precisely constitutes a commercial is not easily determined. Generally NCE stations cannot accept payment in return for the on-air promotion of commercial activities.
When does an omni antenna become a DA?
In a recently-filed petition against an FM station modification, an issue was raised as to whether a proposed omnidirectional antenna should be treated as directional due to pattern distortion resulting from tower mounting and compensating antenna design features.
FCC adopts new methodology for AM proofs
At long last, the FCC is permitting directional AM stations and permittees to submit proofs of performance using moment modeling in lieu of proofs based on extensive field measurements.
FCC may mandate HD Radio reception by satellite receivers
In August, the Commission issued a notice of inquiry under the aegis of its XM-Sirius merger order seeking public comment on whether the FCC should (or can) mandate that satellite radio receiver devices include HD Radio receivers.
FCC Clarifies Backfill Policy
One of the new policies requires broadcasters to add nondiscrimination clauses to their advertising contracts. At renewal time, a certification will have to be made in Form 303-S that all advertising contracts contain such clauses.
New language for advertising contracts
One of the new policies requires broadcasters to add nondiscrimination clauses to their advertising contracts. At renewal time, a certification will have to be made in Form 303-S that all advertising contracts contain such clauses.
Review of political broadcasting rules
Station personnel involved with programming, sales and traffic should be aware during this election season that decisions about what ads to run, when to run them and how much to charge have broad implications under this regulatory scheme.
