Originally posted on the Broadcast Law Blog.
As we noted a few days ago, TV stations must begin posting their public inspection files online at an FCC hosted database beginning August 2, 2012. To facilitate this process, the FCC has announced that it will host a public demonstration of the database created for this purpose at 10:00 am Eastern time on Tuesday, July 17th.
For those who cannot attend in person, the FCC's demonstration of the public file database will be streamed online at www.fcc.gov/live. This demonstration is intended to show broadcasters (and other interested parties) what the database will look like and how to upload information to the site.
Meanwhile, the FCC has not unexpectedly denied the NAB request for stay of the rule requiring online posting of the public file. While the NAB has also asked the DC Circuit to stay the rule, it is possible that even a grant of that request may be limited to the political file. Accordingly, TV stations would be best advised to prepare for the online posting requirement.