Last month we reported on an FCC proposal to ditch two vestiges of the old local public inspection file requirements. On the way out the door: first, the rule requiring broadcasters to make available for public inspection correspondence from audience members concerning station operation; and second, the obligation for cable operators to include in their … Continue Reading
If you’re among the thousands about to be subjected to the FCC’s new Online Public Inspection File (OPIF) system, listen up. The Commission has announced that it will be presenting its webinar on how that system works on Monday, June 13, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. (ET). As we suggested last month when the FCC set … Continue Reading
Commission proposes to eliminate obligations to include public correspondence in commercial broadcasters’ public files, headend location information in cable operators’. Following through on a promise it made in January, the Commission has proposed to eliminate one element of its local public inspection file rules for broadcasters, and it has now proposed to do the same … Continue Reading
We recently reported on the FCC’s announcement of the availability – for introductory test purposes – of the soon-to-be-mandatory Online Public Inspection File (OPIF) system that it has developed. The new test site, launched by the Commission as of May 12, is intended to let all newbies to the online public file world get familiar … Continue Reading
“Local” no more – as of June 24, new “OPIF” will be up and running … but a demo can – AND SHOULD – be checked out NOW Last January we reported on the FCC’s decision to expand its online public inspection file (now officially referred to as “OPIF”) requirement to include radio broadcasters, cable … Continue Reading
Concluding a proceeding begun a mere 18 months ago, the Commission has extended its online public file requirement well beyond the broadcast TV industry. To no one’s real surprise, the FCC has decided to expand its online public inspection file requirement – first imposed on television broadcasters in 2012 – to include radio broadcasters, cable … Continue Reading
If you want to comment on the FCC's proposal to expand its online public file requirements to radio licensees, cable operators and satellite broadcast services, get your calendars out - the comment deadlines have been set.… Continue Reading
While the FCC is moving unusually fast on this, we probably shouldn't be surprised. But the Commission's proposal is not without its ironies.… Continue Reading
The Media Bureau has requested comments on a proposal to impose online public file requirements on cable and satellite operators. And the Bureau has gone the proponents one big step further.… Continue Reading
When TV stations' local public inspection files went online, their ubiquitous availability was expected to attract an influx of complaints thanks to easy Internet access to the once distant files. The complaints have started.… Continue Reading
Remember how most TV stations were exempted from having to upload their political files to the online public inspection file system? Looks like that exemption is just about over.… Continue Reading
Three public interest groups think that they have a Better Idea for how TV stations should report political advertising buys. What do you think?… Continue Reading
Keeping a commitment it made back in April, 2012, the FCC has asked for comments on how the political file component of the online public file system has been working so far.… Continue Reading
The Media Bureau has announced that some TV stations may opt not to post to the FCC's online public file system their quarterly issues/programs lists covering earlier renewal cycle(s). Before you start doing the Snoopy dance, though, be aware that there are at least three gotchas here.… Continue Reading
Full-service TV and Class A TV licensees shouldn't party too hard this New Year's Eve. That's because the date by which they've got to upload their public inspection files to the FCC-maintained online site is right around the corner.… Continue Reading
Coming soon to screens all across the country! YOUR October 2012 issues/programs list (if you're a full-power or Class A TV station). If you think that your lists could use some spiffing up before their online debut, read on.… Continue Reading
Public-file-uploading chores kick in for ALL TV licensees (including Class A's) no later than October 10, when the next quarterly issues/programs lists mush be placed in each station's file. With that deadline looming, we thought it might be useful to introduce everybody to some of the nitty-gritty details they'll need know before they try to upload their lists.… Continue Reading
