By Trend News Line 2024-03-24 13:58:13.
In a last-minute effort to avoid a government shutdown, Congress has passed a $1.2 trillion spending bill to fund the federal government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30. This move comes just in time, as the deadline for a shutdown was looming as of midnight on Saturday, March 23.
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However, in other news, the FCC has issued a Notice of Apparent Liability proposing fines for Nexstar Media Group, Inc. and Mission Broadcasting, Inc. The fines amount to $1,224,790 and $612,395.00 respectively, for their violations of the FCC’s broadcast ownership rules. The violations stem from Mission’s acquisition of WPIX in New York, which apparently resulted in Nexstar taking de facto control of the station without prior FCC authorization.
The FCC found that despite a local marketing agreement in place between Nexstar and Mission, Nexstar effectively controlled the station’s finances, personnel, and programming. This control led Nexstar to exceed the 39% national TV audience reach limit, known as the National Ownership Cap. The FCC has given the parties options to remedy this violation, including divesting WPIX to a third party or selling it to Nexstar while simultaneously reducing their national footprint below the Cap.
Nexstar and Mission have 30 days to respond to the FCC’s proposed findings, with Nexstar stating it will do so. Chairwoman Rosenworcel stressed the importance of enforcing the National Ownership Cap imposed by Congress, while Commissioner Carr raised questions about the parties’ reliance on prior FCC decisions in their acquisition of WPIX.
In other FCC news, the Enforcement Bureau has released its first EEO audit notice for 2024, targeting 250 radio and television stations for review of their EEO compliance. Audited stations must provide their last two years of EEO Annual Public File Reports and documentation demonstrating compliance with FCC rules by May 6, 2024.
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Additionally, the FCC has released a Report and Order requiring cable operators and DBS providers to specify the “all-in” price for video programming in their promotional materials and on subscribers’ bills. The deadline for compliance is December 19, 2024, with small cable operators given until March 19, 2025.
The FCC’s Media Bureau has also released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to downgrade a vacant FM channel in Mattoon, Illinois, to comply with FCC distance requirements. Comments on this proposal are due by May 13.
In LPFM news, the Bureau has provided guidance on the settlement window for resolving mutually exclusive new LPFM construction permit applications. Applicants have until May 14 to file settlement agreements or technical amendments to resolve conflicts. Time-share agreements may also be submitted during this window.
Overall, the FCC is taking significant enforcement actions and implementing new rules to ensure compliance within the broadcast industry. Stakeholders are urged to respond promptly to proposed findings and deadlines set by the Commission to avoid penalties and maintain regulatory compliance..
1. Broadcasters regulations updates
2. Compliance requirements for broadcasters.
