Legal File
FCC Regulatory Fees May Be Going……Down!
InsideRadio reports that after four consecutive years of paying more in annual regulatory fees, the radio industry is in line for a rollback this year. Under a proposal drafted by the Federal Communications Commission, most stations would see their annual fee shrink by five percent – but some of the smallest stations could see a reduction of as much as 43%.
Read MoreReminder About Broadcasters’ FCC EEO Obligations After the April’s First 2023 Audit of Station Performance
We thought that we should post our customary article describing the audit requirements and the basics of the FCC EEO rules as a reminder to all stations as to their general FCC EEO obligations. The FCC has promised to randomly audit approximately 5% of all broadcast stations each year. As the response (and the audit letter itself) must be uploaded to the public file, it can be reviewed not only by the FCC, but also by anyone else with an internet connection anywhere, at any time.
Read MoreMay Regulatory Dates for Broadcasters – Rulemaking Comments on Various TV Issues and More
May is relatively light on scheduled regulatory deadlines for broadcasters, but the following dates are worthy of note. In addition, always remember to keep in touch with your legal and regulatory advisors to make sure that you don’t overlook any regulatory deadlines that are specific to your station.
Read MoreFCC Announces New Round of EEO Audits: 10 Michigan Stations on List
The Enforcement Bureau annually audits the EEO programs of randomly selected broadcast licensees. Each year, approximately five percent of all radio and television stations are selected for EEO audits.
Read MoreUsing AI to Replicate the Voice of a Celebrity – Watch Out for Legal Issues Including Violating the Right of Publicity
The advent of artificial intelligence poses interesting and often challenging legal issues because the law is still “catching up” with the technology. Consider the impact of new AI platforms that can learn a person’s voice, then speak whatever text you submit to it in that person’s voice.
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