The Public and Broadcasting Booklet

[ChiefOperator]

Folks,

FYI-- The FCC has released another revision (July 2008) of "The Public and Broadcasting" booklet that was just revised a few months ago. Time to update the public file--again....

 

[ChiefEngineer]

In Indiana and other states computer access is allowed as access. Copy a link to the web page ...

 

[nd2023]

Can I just walk into any radio station and ask to inspect the public file?

 

[ChiefOperator]

Absolutely... You don't need an appointment and they can't deny you access. In fact, you're not even required to state your reason for the inspection.

 

[Tom Wells]

You can just walk in and ADD comments to the public file. I have been >this close< to visiting WLS AM and WGN AM to
complain about the iboc noise in the public file, but have not done so yet.

 

[Carmine5]

And here's the link to the booklet:

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/decdoc/public_and_broadcasting.html

C5

 

[radiorob2.0]

Absolutely... You don't need an appointment and they can't deny you access. In fact, you're not even required to state your reason for the inspection.

This goes back about ten years, a engineering consulting firm visited radio and television stations to inspect public files, mostly to sell their mock FCC inspection service. They documented their adventures for a broadcast trade weekly column. Among the experiences were cluster managers informing the team "they are no longer required to keep a public file", employees who were unaware of a public file to incomplete files. The best story involved having the cops called on them because they were being a pest.

 

[mr_elbows]

1) you don't need an appointment
2) you don't need to state a reason
3) you are not required to give your name
4) you are to be provided copies of anything you request, at nominal expense
5) you may add to the 'Public comments' section

However...an employee may 'assist' you to make sure you don't remove anything

I once had a GM inform me that page three of their AM license (lists monitor points and values not-to-be-exceeded there-at) would not be available because 'That contains technical information and I don't have to let you see it'

The same person assigned someone to stay about 6 inches behind me at all times in an attempt at intimidation

 

[perenoel6218]

A number of years ago I visited the offices/studios of an Indianapolis radio station
and asked to look at their public files. They insisted I give them my Indiana
drivers license so they could make a copy of same. Was this required, or could
I have refused to hand over my license and if the management refused my request
to look at their public file I could have filed a complaint with the FCC?

After a few moments of complaining about their policy I eventually did hand over
the document, they copied it and then I began my perusal of their files.

About two minutes later, a gentleman, whom I believe is a sales or general manager
of this station, enters the room and paces back and forth in front of me.

I sure felt welcome!!!

 

[mr_elbows]

City;

no

yes

yes

 

[ChiefOperator]

The intent is to allow the public to have open access to the file. And many rules are in place to prevent the station from intimidating you.

In practice, it's fun to ask for the public file. Walk into a station wearing a suit and tie, ask to see the public file and offer no explanation why you're making the request, and start looking through it.

Now, watch as the entire management team paces back and forth and whispers to one another!

 

[Mike Sheridan]

At one time if a station was located outside it's city of license they were allowed to have a copy of their public inspection file at the public library that falls within the city of license. Is that still the case?

 

[Sgeirk]

As I understand, you are no longer required to have the public file available in the city of license. It was required.

I applaud CC for making the public file available on the internet, of course, the intention it to completely get away from having it anywhere near a city of license, but a great idea nonetheless.

 

[TomT]

This will probably be the result of the "localism" proceeding. The 24/7, move back to the COL, and other proposed changes will go away, to be replaced by an onerous,detailed quarterly issues form (similar to the one about to be imposed on the TV stations).

This form, and the station's complete public file, will then be required to be placed on the internet. Allowing the Stazi operatives in "Watchington" to sit in their offices at the Portals, scan your public file, and automatically generate NAL's (notices of apparent liability) whenever something is missing or a form is added three days too late. Note that they (FCC) just fined a station $6K for failing to file updated ownership reports. (We use to get a form in the mail,--now we have to remember to do this every two years. A real PITA for the non-profits with volunteer staff).

Then, of course, at renewal time, the "public interest" professional extortionists will harass anyone who falls below some unwritten standard for local news, public affairs, and kissing of the rings (to be delicate about it) of these loudmouth groups.

 

[ChiefEngineer]

A number of years ago I visited the offices/studios of an Indianapolis radio station
and asked to look at their public files. They insisted I give them my Indiana
drivers license so they could make a copy of same. Was this required, or could
I have refused to hand over my license and if the management refused my request
to look at their public file I could have filed a complaint with the FCC?

After a few moments of complaining about their policy I eventually did hand over
the document, they copied it and then I began my perusal of their files.

About two minutes later, a gentleman, whom I believe is a sales or general manager
of this station, enters the room and paces back and forth in front of me.

I sure felt welcome!!!

Where do you keep yours?

A few people were upset especially the right rv Goodrich at Horizon who still gripes about it and you. They were unhappy. Claimed you yelled and made a scene. Not to say you did but they felt violated not being a Licensee and knowing what to do. Didn't they tell you to call their lawyer or some such line? Make sure yours is available.

The others were certainly not used to seeing someone. mainly political groups check the PF out to see how many ads their competitor is running.

The drivers license is a security issue. You can be asked according to the FCC to sign a register or have your license photocopied if non public personnel pass through to a secure area. Thanks Osama. FCC finding in a Public File Case.

Mnay times in checking filings at a studio I have been threatened. Most places know what must be available. Best thing to do is keep a tape recorder rolling. Especially when a big time lawyer is placed on a speakerphone to ask "what the hell you want?"

On North Shadeland I asked to see the file while a certain manager was out of town. History. The guy had written my name down on a letter in the public file telling staff not to let me see anything in the file if I asked. Whoops. Still have that copy. Current license term. Didn't he feel, well, who knows how he felt? Shouldn't have placed the note IN the public file.

Only a few will try the intimidation tactic. Most will be very agreeable and helpful.

 

[TomT]

In 25 years of owning a station have had only one member of the "general public" ask to see our public file.
Was another broadcaster curious about a frequency change we had proposed for our station; he owned a station on a second adjacent to our new channel (but well away from us). This was well before the days of "FCC.Gov." My partner at the time shot the breeze with him for an hour or two & took him to lunch.

 

[Sgeirk]

TomT,

I couldn't agree more. It'll all be online...open for any and all.

Our public file is right out front in the lobby in it's own file cabinet, next to chairs, ready if anyone asks to see it. Our receptionist has been instructed to grab one of three department heads, if anyone ever comes for it.

 

[greg.hahn]

I had a guy put something in my public file one time. It was paperwork for transferring the radio station ownership to him. I think it was copies of the public notice, which he also ran in the local newspaper. And he went to the Post Office and changed our address to his house.

The guy had owned it before the guy I was working for. Not only did he not get in trouble for doing these things, he ended up with the station! (A bankruptcy judge gave it to him.)

 

[lfuss]

People can't just come in and put things in your Public File. They can submit comments to you in writing, even by e-mail, and YOU are required to put them in the file, but you don't have to allow anyone to insert things on their own. And you may ask someone who wants to see the file their name, but that's all you can ask.

Larry Fuss