In late April 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (
FCC) adopted new rules that require on-air programming sponsored or furnished by a foreign government to contain a disclosure statement noting the foreign government sponsorship and identifying the foreign country involved. While U.S. law bars foreign governments from holding broadcast licenses directly, there are no limitations on their ability to enter into agreements with licensees to air programming. Much like the Foreign Agents Registration Act (
FARA), the new FCC rules seek to increase transparency on the airwaves to ensure that audiences are aware when a foreign government seeks to influence the U.S. public. At the same time, the new rules go beyond some of the similar disclosure requirements in FARA and place a significant diligence burden on U.S. broadcasters.
DES PLAINES, Ill. Running any business during the COVID pandemic is challenging, but how can radio stations continue to engage, educate, and entertain their listeners and meet FCC requirements for public affairs programming? While it may not seem as easy as in “pre-pandemic” times, radio stations have a viable option.
Local radio stations have a time-and-money saving option for public affairs programming
According to
Business Insider, radio advertising dollars in the U.S. may have declined by as much as 25% in 2020. While some experts expect radio advertising to rebound in 2021, no one can predict what the coming year has in store for radio advertising revenue. Most stations will probably continue to operate as lean as possible not only because of lower revenues but because of being highly leveraged. Continuing staff cuts are on the table and many employees will remain working from home.