Is Your Station in FCC Compliance? Find Out with TAB’s Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program

posted on 8.19.2024

With a myriad of FCC regulations on the books, just how sure are you that the station you manage or own is in compliance?

Stations can take the guesswork out of that equation by participating in TAB's Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP).

The reviews cover most, but not all, FCC regulations as they pertain to a station's onsite facilities, from studio to transmitter site.

The FCC may still inspect an ABIP-reviewed station for tower safety issues or to investigate complaints received.

Additionally, since stations' public inspection files migrated to the FCC's website in the past decade, the commission has continuous capability to review materials required not only to be in the file, but also ascertain if they were timely filed.

ABIP reviews include an inspection of the physical facilities of the main studios and transmitter site, as well as a review of certain station procedures.

Typically, it takes about three to four hours to review one station, and less time to review others located under the same roof.

TAB's ABIP inspectors, broadcast engineering veterans Wayne Kube and Steve Sandlin, have logged thousands of miles reviewing Texas stations.

The two have more than 90 years of broadcasting experience between them.

After reviewing a station, Kube or Sandlin issue a report to station staff detailing the state of the station's FCC compliance.

Common Station Deficiencies

Onsite inspections can unearth obvious and hidden FCC issues existing at the main studio or transmitter site.

At a 2024 TAB Show session, Kube and Sandlin recounted some of the more obvious deficiencies they have encountered while inspecting Texas stations in the past 10 years, as well as some obscure ones:

• Station Log Issues - incomplete or non-existing logs and documentation, or lacking the Chief Operator's approval
• Tower and Tower Site Issues - lack of proper signage (RF hazard, ASRN #, etc.); damaged fencing; externally affixed coaxial cables NOT painted in adjacent tower colors; failure to conduct quarterly light alarm tests
• Public File Issues - late filing, especially of Political File components; lists of contracts; lack of link to FCC online public inspection file from station website homepage; absence of donor lists; staff NOT aware of online public inspection file procedures
• EAS Issues - failure to monitor and log EAS tests; having latest versions of EAS ENDEC software installed; not having the current FCC EAS Handbook
• Other Concerns - No equipment performance measurements; no schedule of maintenance and calibrations; failure to make FAA phone number available to station staff to report tower lighting issues; not airing station legal ID, or, airing an improper station legal ID; not posting the Chief Operator designation; failure to notify the FCC of a main studio or office address change; not having a current copy of the FCC license; and power NOT within the minimum and maximum limits

Three-Year Benefit

Stations that successfully complete a review earn a three-year waiver from routine, surprise FCC inspections of a station's physical facilities.

The waiver comes in the form of a Certificate of Compliance which is typically posted in the lobby of the station.

While many stations pass the inspection without issue, those stations that have deficiencies related to their physical facilities may correct them within a reasonable period and still garner one of the coveted certificates.

It is far less expensive if TAB finds a problem and it is addressed than if the FCC finds the problem during a surprise inspection.

FCC forfeitures typically start at the $4,000 level and rise steadily from there.

Additionally, stations have used TAB's inspection reports as justification for capital outlays in discussions with corporate management.

Interested in getting a station inspection?

Download the TAB ABIP contract here

Stations can also learn more about what is involved in a station inspection at the above link.

Questions? Contact TAB's Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.

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