Skip to content
DWT logo
People Services Insights
About Offices Careers
Search
People
Services
Insights
About
Offices
Careers
Search
Advisories
Communications

FCC Soliciting Comments on Expanding Online Public File Requirements to Cable TV, Satellite and Radio Broadcasters

By David M. Silverman


08.07.14
Share
Print this page
In 2012, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) required broadcast television stations to begin uploading all of their public files to an online FCC database. At the time, however, the FCC declined to expand that obligation to radio broadcasters, cable television systems or satellite TV operators. Today, the FCC issued a Public Notice requesting comments on whether to now expand the online public file requirement to additional entities, pursuant to a Petition for Rulemaking filed by several public interest groups. In so doing, the FCC noted that television stations have uploaded more than half a million items to the FCC’s online file and that the online public file site has generated nearly 5 million page views. 

Having public files available online makes it easy for the public to access them. As television broadcasters have learned, it also makes it easier for the FCC to find violations and levy forfeitures for noncompliance. Although the Petition filed by the Campaign Legal Center, Common Cause and the Sunlight Foundation requests expansion of the online public file requirement only to cable systems and satellite operators, the FCC is seeking comments on whether to expand the online public file requirement to broadcast radio stations as well. The Commission requests that comments be filed by Aug. 28, 2014, with reply comments due by Sept. 8, 2014. Please contact us if you would like any assistance in preparing and/or filing comments in this proceeding.

Related Articles

01.08.25
Webinars
Communications
"Preparing for Agency Enforcement Under Trump 2: What You Need to Know," Davis Wright Tremaine Webinar Read More
09.11.24
Insights
Communications
Licensees and Telecom/Video Service Providers Must File and Pay FCC Regulatory Fees by Sept. 26, 2024 Read More
07.17.24
Insights
Communications
Will the Supreme Court's Loper Bright Decision Change How the 6th Circuit Reviews the FCC's Open Internet Order? Read More
DWT logo
©1996-2025 Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Attorney Advertising. Not intended as legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Media Kit Affiliations Legal notices
Privacy policy Employees DWT Collaborate EEO
SUBSCRIBE
©1996-2025 Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Attorney Advertising. Not intended as legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.