REC Networks has filed comments in MB Docket 20-401, which calls for changes to the rules for FM boosters to permit “geo-targeted” or independent programming.  FM boosters are available to FM and LPFM stations in order to provide FM service into areas where the station is unable to be heard due to terrain by synchronously rebroadcasting the primary station’s audio over an additional lower powered transmitter.  The booster rules require that the service contour of the FM booster remain entirely inside the service contour of t

About a week ago, Amazon.com has announced to their marketplace vendors that in order to sell radio frequency devices, the seller must provide evidence of FCC authorization through providing an FCC certification number or contact for a responsible party as defined by the FCC, or certify that the product is exempt from FCC requirements.   All listings added or updated after February, 2021, must meet these requirements. 

Earlier today, President Joe Biden named FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel as Acting Chair of the Federal Communications Commission.  Ms. Rosenworcel has been on the Commission for about 8 years and has about two years remaining in her term. 

For AM broadcast stations, making a change to all-digital operation means that their AM station would no longer be heard by listeners with a conventional AM radio, including those AM and AM/FM radios that people have in emergency preparedness kits.  In some areas of our country, the AM radio station, especially during the daytime, may provide some of the only localized emergency information either originated from the station or through the Emergency Alert System (EAS). 

REC Networks has filed comments with the FCC addressing the Commission’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to require that broadcast stations that are provided programming from various foreign entities must disclose on the air that a foreign government has provided the programming regardless of whether the station was paid to carry the programming or not.