Media Bureau Staffers Explain Delayed Processing, Talk Radio Proceedings at NAB Show
LAS VEGAS -- The FCC Media Bureau’s Audio Division has been stretched by a spate of recent licensing windows but has added resources and hopes to catch up with delayed filings, said Audio Division Chief Albert Shuldiner on a panel with other Media Bureau staff at the NAB Show 2024 here Monday. The panel, which included Media Bureau Chief Holly Saurer, also discussed proposals to prioritize some broadcaster filings, the recent approval of geotargeted radio, and pirate radio enforcement. “Delay is not our No. 1 goal,” said Shuldiner.
The panel of Media Bureau officials was among the few events involving FCC officials, a reduced presence from past years. Unlike most prior NAB Shows, the event didn't include an address from the FCC chair or the usual panel of 10th-floor aides. The agency didn't comment on Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel's absence. Nathan Simington and Anna Gomez --- both first time NAB Show attendees as FCC commissioners -- each presented remarks prior to panel discussions at the event. “We always appreciate when policymakers from Washington come to Las Vegas to participate and see the Show firsthand," said an NAB spokesperson. "We are grateful Chairwoman Rosenworcel has been to NAB Show twice during her chairmanship and are thrilled that Commissioners Gomez and Simington are here this week.”
Several broadcast attorneys told us they have seen lengthier processing times for applications and transfers at the audio division in recent months, and Shuldiner said Monday that he has heard similar complaints. He pointed to licensing windows for low-power FM and noncommercial educational stations as having inundated the bureau, leading to slower processing. Broadcasters with specific, pressing needs should reach out to him, Shuldiner said.
A recent NPRM on prioritizing applications from broadcasters originating local content was aimed more at recognizing companies that do so than at incentivizing broadcasters to change their programming practices, said Saurer. She pushed back on some commenters arguing that a prioritization policy would mean that all applications from non-local content originators would be delayed. “We are not saying we are going to stop everything and only look at local applications first,” Saurer said.
The order allowing FM boosters to originate content for geotargeting uses a temporary authorization procedure involving experimental licenses because agency officials felt the proceeding had dragged on too long, Shuldiner said. The proceeding had multiple rounds of comments, he pointed out. “We felt we should move this forward and allow broadcasters” to use the technology, he said. Shuldiner acknowledged that the contentious proceeding showed “a divergence of opinion among broadcasters.” He said the FCC would be closely tracking the service's rollout to gauge economic or interference issues. The item takes effect in 30 days, Shuldiner said.
It's too premature to know if the FCC’s stepped up pirate radio enforcement has led to a reduction in unauthorized broadcasts, Saurer said. In 2023, 48 notices of violation for unauthorized broadcasts were issued, and 11 so far in 2024. Those notices have led to notices of apparent liability totaling $12 million, and two forfeiture orders, she said.