Does an LPTV station have to have a public file?

[nd2023]

I tried to inspect the public file for an LPTV station and was told that low power stations don't have to have a public file. I was under the impression that every licensed broadcast station has to have a public file. Is the LPTV station in violation for not maintaining a public file.

I just want to examine the time brokerage agreements that should be in the public file. The employee of the station told me to check with the FCC for the time brokerage agreements.

 

[maineengineer]

The answer to your question is "no." However, the records you are looking for do have to be maintained at the station for possible inspection by FCC personnel.

 

[ChiefEngineer]

Some don't even have a studio.

 

[nd2023]

This particular LPTV station seems to be based out of a house.

I really wonder why LPTVs don't need to have a public file.

How would I be able to view the Time Brokerage Agreements for the LPTV station?

 

[Matt]

A true LPTV does not have to have a public file. It DOES have to have licenses and/or construction permits posted with the transmitter and studio, if one exists. LPTV's do not have to provide closed-captioning of programming, or records of e/i childrens programming, or do issues/programs list. Neither are they required to maintain records of political advertising nor sell to qualified candidates at "lowest unit charge." New rules DO require LPTV's to file annual ownership reports, a copy of which has to be retained at wherever place station records are kept.

An LPTV that wishes to have its service contours protected by obtaining "Class "A" status DOES have to main a public file of sorts, with children's programming information, issues/programs list, install an EAS system and many of the other things done at full-power stations. Personally, I look for the FCC to add more record-keeping and public file responsibilities to LPTV stations, and may well allow more of them to go Class "A" or increase power.

Later . . . .

 

[Carmine5]

The FCC does require LPTV stations to maintain a public inspection file according to their "Localism Fact Sheet."

http://www.fcc.gov/localism/Localism_Fact_Sheet.pdf

"...the FCC requires each broadcast radio and television station to maintain a public inspection file. Among other things, that file must include: the station’s applications pending before the FCC; all current authorizations from the FCC, such as construction permits and licenses; all current written agreements the station has made with citizens about programming or issues of community concern; a copy of the station’s most recent, complete ownership report filed with the FCC; a record of all requests for airtime made by or on behalf of a candidate for public office during the preceding two years...an “issues/programs list,” and written comments from the public about the operation of a station received by the station within the last three years."

So while there are no closed captioning or children's programming requirements attached to LPTV stations, apparently need to maintain the basics of a public inspection file.

Also, if the LPTV station originates programming it must, at the very least, have an EAS decoder.

On the other hand, the FCC website also states this:

"Public inspection file requirements do not apply to TV translator stations. LPTV stations are exempt from the local public file requirement, but must continue to maintain a political file."

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/renewal.html

c5