Legislative Update
FCC Seeks Comments on Tighter Requirements for Broadcasters to Identify Foreign Government Sponsored Programming – And A Bill Introduced in Congress – What Does It Mean for Broadcasters?
In speaking to many broadcast groups around the country in the last few months, I have found that many broadcasters are totally confused by the FCC’s rules requiring that they seek certifications from anyone buying programming time on their stations (or providing programming for free in exchange for that programming being broadcast on the station).
Read MoreLawsuits Filed Against Three Radio Companies Alleging That They are Playing Global Music Rights Songwriters Without a License – Background for the GMR Claims
The lawsuits seek $150,000 for each copyrighted work that was allegedly infringed.
Read MoreAs More Political Advertising Moves Online, State Laws Provide the Regulatory Framework for Disclosures and Recordkeeping
In a recent state court decision, a King County judge in Washington State concluded that Facebook violated state political disclosure rules by not publicly providing information about the sale of political ads relating to state elections and ballot issues, as required by state law.
Read MoreA Closer Look at Multi-Million Dollar Proposed Fines for Program-Length Commercials in Children’s Television
Last week’s Notice of Apparent Liability, a unanimous decision by all four FCC Commissioners, stemmed from a Hot Wheels Super Ultimate Garage ad that was aired a total of 11 times during a Team Hot Wheels TV program which ran 8 times during November and December of 2018.
Read MoreMore on FCC Regulatory Fees Due on September 28 – Public Notices on Payment Procedures, Deadlines, Amounts and Waivers
As we wrote in several of our recent weekly summaries of regulatory issues for broadcasters, the FCC released a Public Notice the week before last announcing that regulatory fees must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on September 28.
Read MoreBattle Creek Property Owner Warned About Pirate Radio Operation
In a public release dated September 8, the Federal Communications Commission announced that its Chicago Office’s Enforcement Bureau is investigating a complaint about an unlicensed FM broadcast station operating on frequency 89.1 MHz in Battle Creek.
Read MoreWhitmer Appoints Acting Executive Director to Cannabis Regulatory Agency
Governor Gretchen Whitmer on September 15 announced the appointment of Brian Hanna as acting executive director of the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA). Effective September 19, Hanna will join the CRA, bringing extensive experience to fill this vital role within the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration.
Read MoreSenator Rand Paul Introduces Bill to Repeal Broadcast Ownership Limits and Allow Joint Negotiations with Big Tech Companies
Kentucky Senator Rand Paul has introduced a bill to repeal all broadcast ownership limitations including the radio and television local ownership rules. As we have noted before, the FCC is currently considering changes to the radio ownership rules.
Read MoreFCC Regulatory Fees Due By September 28 and Can Be Paid Now
Back to News FCC Regulatory Fees Due By September 28 and Can Be Paid Now September 9, 2022 MAB Washington Counsel David Oxenford advises that the due date for regulatory fees has been set by the FCC. Fees can be paid now, and must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on September 28. The…
Read MoreSeptember Regulatory Dates for Broadcasters: Reg Fees, Foreign Government Program Certifications, Final Chance to Claim Reimbursement for Repacking Expenses, Comments on ATSC 3.0 and FTC Advertising Inquiry, and More
As summer begins to wind down, just like the rest of the world, the FCC and other government agencies seem to pick up speed on long delayed actions. Broadcasters can anticipate increased regulatory activity in the coming months. For September, there are a few dates to which all broadcasters should pay attention, and a few that will be of relevance to a more limited group.
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