January 10, 2023
Issues/Programs Lists – For all commercial and noncommercial radio, television, and Class A television stations, listings of each station’s most significant treatment of community issues during the fourth quarter of 2022 (October,
Media
Federal Election Commission Adopts New Online Political Ad Disclaimer Proposal
On December 1, 2022, the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) adopted a proposal to extend its disclaimer rules to certain types of digital advertising appearing on digital platforms in addition to websites.
Next Phase-in of Audio Description Rules Begins January 1, 2023
The Federal Communications Commission released a reminder that as of January 1, 2023, the audio description rules adopted in the Commission’s 2020 Audio Description Order will go into effect in the following designated market areas (“DMAs”):
- Madison
- Waco-Temple-Bryan
- Harlingen-Welasco-Brownsville-McAllen
- Paducah-Cape Girardeau-Harrisburg
- Colorado Springs-Pueblo
- Shreveport
- Syracuse
- Champaign and Springfield-Decatur
- Savannah
- Cedar Rapids-Waterloo-Iowa City and Dubuque
The Audio Description Order expanded the number of DMAs required to install equipment for audio description.
More Emergency Alert System Proposed Changes and Reporting Requirements
To accompany its recently adopted modifications to the requirements for the Emergency Alert System (“EAS”), the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) to address the FCC’s ongoing concerns about operational readiness and the security of the EAS system from being acted or otherwise misused by bad actors.
Emergency Alert System Required Changes
The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) recently adopted modifications to the requirements for the Emergency Alert System (“EAS”), and the new rules will go into effect on December 12,
FCC Fines Gray Television for Violation of Ownership Rules
This week, the FCC issued a Forfeiture Order imposing a penalty of over $500,000 against Gray Television, Inc. for violating the FCC’s rule prohibiting ownership of two top-four television stations in the same Nielsen Designated Market Area (DMA).
Election Season Refresher: Political Ad Compliance
With midterm elections fast approaching, candidates for public office and advocates for a variety of political issues are looking to radio and television broadcasters to get their message out.
2022 Upcoming FCC Deadlines
September
Annual Regulatory Fees – On a date not yet determined, but certainly before September 30, 2022, annual regulatory fees will be due.
Court Strikes Down a Portion of the FCC’s Foreign Sponsorship Identification Rules for Broadcasters
Earlier this year, new FCC rules went into effect requiring radio and television stations to broadcast Sponsorship ID disclosures for programming provided by foreign governmental entities.
What’s Next for Next Gen TV? FCC Seeks Comments on The Status of Next Gen TV and Sunset of Two Rules.
The FCC has just released a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-22-47A1.pdf seeking comments on the state of the Next Generation Television (“Next Gen TV” or “ATSC 3.0”) transition,
