March 2008
Why should you, as a broadcaster, file comments in the FCC’s “Report on Broadcast Localism and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” in MB Docket No. 04-233 (“NPRM”)?
January 2008
Television stations will now be required to file FCC Form 355, a new quarterly programming report, as well as post their public inspection files online. These new requirements apply only to full-power and Class A television stations.
December 2007
Beginning January 1, 2008, the percentage of “Pre-Rule Programming” per channel each quarter that must be captioned increases from 30% to 75%.
December 2007
At an open meeting on December 18, 2007, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) adopted a Report on the results of its “Localism Proceeding” along with a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) seeking comments on the tentative findings included in the Report. The findings are based on a series of public hearings that took place around the country and on the public comments filed with the FCC in response to its Localism Notice of Inquiry released on July 1, 2004 (MB Docket 04-233). The texts of the Report and NPRM have not yet been released.
December 2007
Content of the Quarterly List
The next Quarterly Issues/Programs List (“Quarterly List”) must be placed in stations’ local public inspection files by January 10, 2008, reflecting information for the months of October, November, and December. The FCC’s recent action adopting a new program report form, which is intended to replace the Quarterly Issues/Programs Lists, will not have any effect on this fourth quarter public file requirement.
November 2007
Television stations will now be required to file a new quarterly programming report and post their public inspection files online.
September 2007
The next Children’s Television Programming Report must be filed with the FCC and placed in stations’ local Public Inspection Files by October 10, 2007, reflecting programming aired during the months of July, August, and September.
September 2007
Content of the Quarterly List
The next Quarterly Issues/Programs List (“Quarterly List”) must be placed in stations’ local Public Inspection Files by October 10, 2007, reflecting information for the months of July, August, and September.
September 2007
The next Children’s Television Programming Report must be filed with the FCC and placed in stations’ local Public Inspection Files by October 10, 2007, reflecting programming aired during the months of July, August, and September.
November 2006
On November 14, 2006, FCC Commissioner Adelstein issued a statement commending The Center for Media Democracy and Free Press for its continued study regarding video news releases (VNRs). The Commission has described VNRs as “essentially prepackaged news stories, that may use actors to play reporters and include suggested scripts to introduce the stories.” This advisory briefly outlines the current law regarding the broadcast of VNRs and alerts broadcasters to the need for caution in this area.
Comm Law Center