2008 Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP)

The MAB Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP) is a special partnership between the MAB and the FCC. Stations which participate in the ABIP program can receive a 3-year exemption from routine FCC inspections. The FCC and MAB have an official agreement regarding the alternative inspections and information gathered by the alternative inspector is confidential between the station and the alternative inspector.

The MAB conducts alternative inspections regionally throughout the year. MAB will notify stations when the application window is open for accepting applications for inspection. Due to the popularity of this program and the geography of Michigan, inspections are grouped regionally. Unfortunately, MAB cannot conduct on-demand individual inspections. Rather, watch the MAB for information on when the next group of applications. 

All stations considering participating in the ABIP should read the following carefully as some items are new or changed: 

• Summary of the MAB/FCC ABIP Agreement (4-page memo in PDF format)
• The Actual MAB/FCC ABIP Agreement (7-page legal agreement in PDF format)
  

Step-by-Step of How ABIP Works:

1. Determine if your station(s) wish to participate in the program. Review all the following details to make an informed decision.
   
   

2. When an application window opens for stations to apply, submit the completed ABIP application and return with down payment to MAB. On the agreement, you MUST indicate if you want to have a 150-day grace-period of inspections (more details below).
   
   

3. Once MAB receives the ABIP application, a letter of intent to inspect is sent to the station verifying their forthcoming inspection dates and times. The station will also receive an outline of how the inspection will work and a check-list on what the inspection will cover.

   ** If the station elects for the grace-period option, the MAB notifies the FCC that this station is awaiting an inspection. The FCC agrees not to conduct a routine inspection for the next 150 days. If the station elects NOT to accept the grace-period option, there is no protection from a routine FCC until the station receives a certificate of compliance. However, the FCC is never notified that the station is participating in the program (until the station passes the inspection and receives a Certificate of Compliance).

4. The station and MAB agree upon an inspection date within 150 days. This date is firm and cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.
   
   

5. On the assigned date, the MAB inspector conducts the alternative inspection at your station. If the station desires, the inspector will work with station staff to cover many of the details and compliance issues. The inspection also serves as a educational workshop for your staff.
   
   

6. Upon completion of the inspection (regardless of the results), your station receives a detailed confidential summary of the inspection.
   
   

7. If your station passes the ABIP, you will receive a Certificate of Compliance. A copy of only the certificate is sent to the FCC which has guaranteed that they will not conduct a routine inspection of that station for three years. If your station does not pass the alternative inspection, you may elect to correct the infractions as indicated in your confidential report. If you choose to correct the problems, a re-inspection may be necessary depending on the issues. The FCC is not notified of stations which do not pass or do not correct the infractions.

NOTE:

• Each station will receive a complete report from the inspector on the station. This report is confidential and is not shared with the FCC or any other party.

What EXACTLY is covered in an ABIP inspection?

The inspector will cover all the items listed on the FCC's Self Inspection Checklists. MAB encourages every station to review this checklist regardless of whether the station participates in the ABIP program.  

• AM, FM, and TV Self-Inspection Checklists

Who conducts the ABIP inspections?

The MAB Director of Technology Larry Estlack conducts the ABIP inspections. Larry is a certified professional broadcast engineer with more then 25 years experience in both radio and television engineering. Larry compiles a detailed report of each stations' findings. The reports are comprehensive and confidential.

2008 Inspection Schedule:

For questions or to find out if you can enroll, contact MAB's Ann Cochrane at 800-968-7622. Please read the ABIP Terms and Conditions for complete details. Full payment is required prior to the inspection.

2008 Rates & Terms (same as 2007)

Cancellation Policy: Full payment for inspection(s) due to the MAB with signed contract. NO EXCEPTIONS. If a station cancels an ABIP inspection after it has been assigned an inspection date by the MAB, it will forfeit the entire fee it has already paid.  The station may reapply for another inspection at a later date, a new application and fee payment will be required.

Payments should be made payable to the MAB. Payments to the MAB may be deductible as a legitimate business expenses under the Internal Revenue Code. They are not deductible, however, as charitable contributions.