Engineering, ABIP & EAS
Cable Groups Ask for 2-year Window on EAS Changes
A trade organization representing small- and medium-size cable television operators is asking the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a two-year moratorium if the regulator moves forward with adopting a proposal to change how emergency alert messages are broadcast for visually-impaired and hard-of-hearing individuals. The request comes as the FCC considers amending its rules regarding the…
Read MoreMMTC Pushes for Hybrid EAS ‘Designated Hitter’ Program
InsideRadio reports that the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC) has long been pushing for a so-called designated hitter system that would ensure that foreign-language programming is available on the radio during a disaster. It would depend on the Federal Communications Commission administering such a program. But with broadcasters resistant to such a formalized…
Read MoreBook Your 2022 ABIP Inspection Now
Scheduling is underway for the 2022 Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP). The ABIP is a unique partnership between the MAB and the FCC under which stations that participate can receive a three-year exemption from routine FCC inspections. The MAB’s inspector, Blake E. Thompson CBNT, will be traveling our state 4/25-4/30; 5/16-5/24; and 6/13-6/17/22. Thompson notes,…
Read MoreSBE 2022 Leadership Development Course Set for August
The Society of Broadcast Engineers will hold the 2022 SBE Leadership Development Course August 3-5, 2022, in Atlanta, GA. This three-day course is an intensive study of successful leadership and management, designed specifically for broadcast engineers. The course explores the nature of leadership, the difference between being a manager and being a leader, how to…
Read MoreDetroit SMPTE Presents “Argus Building Buildout of Michigan Radio Studios”
The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) Detroit Section will host a free virtual meeting open to all members, guests and non-members on Tuesday, January 11 at 7:00 p.m. The topic will be “Argus Building Buildout of Michigan Radio Studios” with speaker Bob Skon, Chief Engineer, Michigan Radio. This virtual meeting is free…
Read MoreFCC: 2021 National EAS Test Showed Improvement
The nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System last August showed improvement over the previous test in 2019, according to the Federal Communications Commission and a report on the test released in December. On August 11, 2021, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC), conducted a…
Read MoreAdvisory: Stations Should Check With Web/IT Providers on New Apache Vulnerability
Member stations are advised to check with their IT, web and cloud services providers to be certain they are patched for a new Apache vulnerability. The vulnerability, first discovered late last week, is severe because it is in a system that underlies most company systems around the world, and has been in use for decades. …
Read MoreFCC to Mandate Required Backup Power for Broadcasters?
Radio World reports that the latest Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) from the FCC “could ultimately lead to a new expense for U.S. radio and TV broadcasters that don’t already have backup power at their transmission sites.” The FCC has launched the NPRM to improve the reliability and resiliency of communications networks during disasters. It…
Read MoreMonthly Engineering Spotlight: Justin Poquette
MAB’s Engineering Spotlight is back on a monthly basis. Nominate an engineer you know! Email Dan Kelley at dkelley@michmab.com. Justin Poquette is Director of Network Engineering for Radio Results Network (Escanaba), a 5, then 9, then 10 and now 15 radio station group, He’s been there for 10 years part time *board op//engineering intern* and…
Read MoreProtect Your Stations from Random FCC Inspections
You say that the FCC doesn’t do random inspections anymore? Not true, they do. It’s easier than ever before. With so much of our business activities available in our public file and on electronic forms at the FCC, they can easily inspect a station without ever coming to your door. Additionally they still investigate complaints. COVID…
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