Broadcast Localism

February 21, 2008 For over 12 years, the Federal Communications Commission has been considering how the transition to digital television technology ­ and the increased capacity it offers TV broadcasters ­should impact the compact between television stations and the communities they are licensed to serve. By law and FCC rules, these stations are licensed to serve the public interest, convenience and necessity. Over the years, this has meant different things, but the overriding mandate has been that stations must serve the interests of local communities, not the station owner’s own commercial interests. After much deliberation, the FCC has concluded that there needs to be improved communication between broadcasters and the communities they are licensed to serve. To facilitate improved communications, the FCC is asking for public comment on proposals to improve: 1) License Renewal Procedures and Processing Guidelines, 2) Renewal Application Announcements, 3) the Service Delivered to Underserved Audiences and 4) Remote Television Operation. The FCC recently published the filing schedule for the new, proposed localism rules. Comments are due Friday, March 14, 2008 and Reply Comments are due Monday, April 14, 2008.