The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently found that six radio stations were not complying with their political file obligations. The groups include Alpha, Beasley, Cumulus, Entercom, iHeart and Salem.

Radio and television stations have an obligation to maintain their political files and update those files regularly and within a timely manner. Because radio and television stations serve the public interest, they must disclose who is paying for their political advertising on the station’s airwaves in order to maintain transparency.

The FCC’s Media Bureau requires these groups to comply fully by uploading their online public inspection files records of requests for the purchase of political broadcast time on a regular basis.

A BIG political advertising season is upon us this year and stations need to get organized to avoid failure to comply and fines.  Call attorney Carrie Ward for help with your station’s FCC compliance.