FCC aprueba el cambio de regla que hace que sea más barato y más fácil usar
antenas direccionales de FM
23-MAY/2022
The Federal Communications
Commission today (may, 19) adopted a Report and Order that gives FM and Low
Power FM (LPFM) applicants using directional antennas the option of
verifying the directional pattern through the use of computer modeling.
Some FM stations
use directional antennas in order to prevent interference to
other stations or to keep the signal from radiating outside the
station’s authorized service area. When seeking a license, FM
radio stations using directional antennas are required to
provide measurements of the radiated signal to verify their
directional pattern. To do this, stations must either build a
full-size mockup of the antenna or build a scale model. These
measurements can involve considerable expense to the applicant.
Today’s action gives FM and LPFM broadcasters the option to
verify directional antenna patterns by using computer modeling
prepared by the antenna manufacturer rather than real-world
measurements, after the model is initially verified for
accuracy. The action will provide regulatory relief for both
antenna manufacturers and FM broadcasters while maintaining the
integrity of the Commission’s licensing requirements.
FCC ACTUALIZO MEDIA DOCENA DE REGLAS TECNICAS DE AM Y FM
21-FEB/2022
To broadcasters, a series of
changes just adopted by the Federal Communications Commission will mean time
and money saved. For the FCC, the updates to its radio regulatory rulebook
are about eliminating potential confusion with rules that it admits are
often redundant, outdated or even in conflict with other requirements on the
books.
Eliminate
Transmitter Power Limit Rule For AMs.
The FCC has concluded the rule is “outdated and unnecessary”
given its current reliance on actual operating antenna input
power as the most accurate and effective means of ensuring that
AM stations adhere to their authorized power limits. The FCC
also agreed with comments filed by the National Association of
Broadcasters that said the elimination of the technical
restriction will allow AMs of any class to use transmitters of
any rated power. That, it says, will benefit all AMs by
broadening the market of transmitters, enhancing the secondary
market for AM transmitters, and reducing the number of
transmitters that need to be disposed of.
Clarify AM Fill-in Area Definition
The FCC amended the definition of an “AM fill-in area” used when
an FM translator simulcasts an AM station. The FCC says its
change will “create consistency” across different rules
governing fill-in translator transmitter siting and make it
clear what an “AM fill-in area” is. The rules have said that an
FM translator rebroadcasting an AM broadcast station must be
located such that the 60dBu contour is contained within the
greater of either the 2 mV/m daytime contour of the AM station,
or a 25-mile radius centered at the AM station’s transmitter
site. The FCC agrees with the NAB that the rule may
inadvertently prevent many AM stations from operating FM
translators within their 2 mV/m contour.
Update Border FM Rules
The FCC amended the allocation and power limitations for
broadcast stations within 320 kilometers of the Mexican and
Canadian borders which it says is needed to comply with new
agreements signed between the FCC and its Canadian and Mexican
counterparts.
The NAB had asked that the FCC ensure that existing U.S.
stations near the Canadian border do not inadvertently become
short-spaced. It says a 1997 agreement between the two countries
increased the required separation distances involving Class A
FMs. And in the order, the FCC does that. “We clarify that no
facility modifications will be ordered because of the
administrative updates to the distance separation requirements
and that any Class A FM station may continue to operate under
its licensed parameters,” it says. However, the order also
states that any application to modify the technical parameters
in the station’s license must include a showing that the
proposed facilities satisfy the treaty.
At the urging of the NAB, the order also clarifies that Class C0
FMs will be considered to be Class C FMs when allotments and
assignments are considered near the Mexican border. But the FCC
states that FM translators near the Mexican border will be
subject to a contour overlap-based spacing methodology, and not
distance separation rules. It opted not to change the rules for
translators and booster stations near the Canadian border.
Updating Noncommercial FM Community Of License Coverage Rules
In a change the FCC says will “create consistency across
different rules” regarding the requirement for community
coverage for noncommercial FM, it replaces the requirement that
stations reach 50% of their community of license or 50% of the
population in their community. It is replaced with the more
general requirement that a station covers “at least a portion of
the community.”
The FCC also reaffirms the 60dBu contour-based coverage standard
for noncommercial stations’ coverage requirement, rather than
the 70dBu standard for commercial FMs. It says it represents a
“carefully considered balance” between the rules and the
service, technical, and financial realities of operating
noncommercial FMs.
New Overlap Rules For Noncommercial Class D Stations
The FCC updated the signal strength contour overlap requirements
for noncommercial Class D FMs to bring the rules in line with
the contour overlap requirements for all other noncommercial
FMs. The FCC says less restrictive requirements have proven
effective for other FM classes, and there is “no reason to
continue treating Class D stations differently.” It also says
that the change will give Class Ds “greater site flexibility”
and will create opportunities for stations to increase power and
coverage.
Protections End For Grandfathered Common Carriers In Alaska
The FCC eliminated four “obsolete” rule provisions for
broadcasters to protect grandfathered common carrier services in
Alaska operating in the 76-100 MHz frequency band. “Our
licensing databases indicate that there are no common carrier
services remaining in this band in Alaska,” the order says. The
rule dates to 1982 when the Commission reallocated the 76-100
MHz band in Alaska from government and non-government fixed
services to broadcast services.
While a half dozen updates were made, the Commission rejected
another proposed update to its FM transmitter inference rules at
the urging of the NAB and others that worried it could eliminate
protections to existing stations when another FM signs-on or its
facilities are modified.
Fuente: Inside radio
PLUTO TV (OTT) Y viacomcbs pagaran 3.5 millones de dolares de multa por
violar reglas de accesibilidad
04-OCT/2021
The Federal Communications
Commission’s Enforcement Bureau today (september 29) announced it has
settled an investigation with Pluto Inc. and its parent company, ViacomCBS
Inc., regarding violations of the Commission’s accessibility rules. In
addition to paying a $3.5 million civil penalty, Pluto Inc. agreed to enter
into a compliance plan to ensure that non-exempt video programming that
Pluto streams over the internet includes closed captioning in compliance
with Commission rules. Today’s action reflects the first consent decree and
first enforcement action related to Internet Protocol (IP) closed captioning
rules since their adoption in 2012.
The Twenty-First
Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, or
CVAA, helps ensure that individuals with disabilities are able
to fully utilize communications services and equipment and
better access video programming. The internet has become central
to the distribution of video programming, and consumers rely on
a multitude of devices, including tablets, wireless phones, and
game consoles, to access IP-delivered video programming. Given
the growth of streaming services, this action reinforces the
FCC’s commitment that people with disabilities should be able to
access and enjoy streaming services.
The IP-closed captioning rules apply broadly to the
distributors, providers, and owners of IP-delivered video
programming. The rules require the closed captioning of
IP-delivered video programming and impose requirements on
certain apparatus that receive or play back video programming
(including certain recording devices). All nonexempt full-length
video programming delivered using Internet Protocol must be
provided with closed captions if the programming was previously
shown on television in the United States with captions or is
live programming being shown on television in the United States
with captions.
The Enforcement Bureau’s investigation confirmed that Pluto
failed to comply with the IP closed captioning rules when
distributing video programming on numerous platforms used to
disseminate Pluto TV. Additionally, the company failed to
implement the closed captioning functionality requirements and
make contact information available to users in order to submit
written closed captioning complaints. As a result of Pluto’s
actions, individuals with hearing disabilities were unable to
access closed captioning when viewing Pluto TV over some
platforms.
Fuente: FCC
bajo la cantidad de estaciones de fm comerciales en estados unidos
08-ABR/2021
The number of licensed FM
commercial stations in the United States hit a historical peak 15 months ago
and has been declining slightly since.
That’s one of the
findings of an analysis by Radio World of the latest station
count data from the Federal Communications Commission.
We also found that the number of AM stations is at its lowest in
decades while the number of NCE FMs has hit a record high, as
has the number of FM translators/boosters.
The tally of commercial FMs had been rising steadily over
several decades. In 1990 (when FCC public data reporting became
more consistent) there were about 4,350 commercial FM stations
in the country. Ten years later and four years after the 1996
Telecom Act, there were close to 6,000 commercial FMs; and by
the end of 2019 that number stood at 6,772.
But each of the five quarterly reports from the FCC since then
has shown a slight ebbing; and at the end of March the number of
commercial FM stations was 6,682, or 90 fewer than 15 months
ago.
Whether we can read any general decline in demand for commercial
FM stations into these numbers is problematic. It’s a drop of
only 1.3% since the peak, though it is notable that the trend
line had been virtually all upwards over many years prior. And
the FCC doesn’t provide analysis of its data. Any shift could be
driven by a slowing economy and of course the year-long
pandemic. It’s a number we’ll keep an eye on.
Meanwhile the trend in AM station totals is more familiar and it
continues in the latest quarter, when the FCC said there were
4,546 AM stations.
According to Radio World’s analysis, the country’s AM station
count is the lowest it has been since at least 1990 and very
likely longer than that. In 1990 there were just under 5,000 AM
stations, and the total around that period tended not to vary
much year to year.
But we can say that there are now about 9% fewer AM stations
than there were in 1990.
On the other hand, the number of FM educational stations today
is at its historic high of 4,213, up about 3% over five years
and double the number at the turn of the century.
And the number of FM translators and boosters has also hit yet
another record. There are now 8,521 of those, up 30% from just
five years ago and more than four-fold from 1990, when there
were only about 1,850 translators and boosters.
Demand for translators has been helped by multiple factors
including HD Radio multicast plays, AM revitalization and
general demand for FM spectrum.
And the number of low-power FM stations is now 2,114. That
number has varied within a narrow range for the past decade.
Fuente: Radio world
Corte Suprema de EEUU
avaló flexibilización de reglas de concentración cruzada a nivel local
In response to the Supreme
Court ruling in favor of an appeal by the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) to a lower court
ruling blocking changes to broadcast media ownership regulations, the
following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:
“NAB commends today’s unanimous decision by the Supreme Court that the FCC’s
recent and long-overdue modernization of its broadcast ownership regulations
was lawful and appropriate. It is critical that the Commission continue to
examine its media ownership rules to ensure that America’s broadcasters are
able to compete and meet the needs of local communities across the nation in
today’s media landscape. We look forward to working with the Commission on
this effort given the essential role radio and television broadcasters play
for all Americans."
atsc 3.0: fcc actualizo reglas para alentar el servicio de broadcast
internet
17-DIC/2020
The Federal Communications
Commission today issued a Report and Order updating its rules to promote the
introduction of ATSC 3.0-enabled innovative ancillary and supplementary
broadcast services, otherwise known as Broadcast Internet.
The advances in spectrum efficiency provided by ATSC 3.0 means that
broadcasters will continue to provide high-quality, free, over-the-air
digital television while also having the extra capacity to complement the
nation’s 5G wireless networks with Broadcast Internet data services. The
Order’s clarification of the fee structure pertaining to ancillary and
supplementary services ensures that television broadcasters can easily
partner with third parties to provide new services without the risk of
having to pay the federal government excessive fees.
Recognizing the unique public service mission of noncommercial educational
television (NCE) stations, the Order also adopts a number of additional
proposals designed to facilitate their provision of Broadcast Internet
services. Notably, the item allows NCE stations to offer nonprofit,
noncommercial, educational Broadcast Internet services alongside their
television programming as part of the primary use of their spectrum and cuts
the fee on revenue from those services in half, from five percent to
two-and-a-half percent.
Action by the Commission December 10, 2020 by Report and Order (FCC 20-181).
Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly and Carr. Commissioners Rosenworcel and
Starks concurring. Chairman Pai, Commissioners Carr, Rosenworcel, and Starks
issuing separate statements.
Fuente: FCC
NAB Statement on FCC
Approval of Broadcast Internet Order
In response to the approval by the Federal Communications Commission of an
order promoting Broadcast Internet using ATSC 3.0, the following statement
can be attributed to NAB Senior Vice President of Communications Ann Marie
Cumming:
"NAB appreciates the Commission's attention to the development of ATSC 3.0
and all of the consumer benefits that will follow. In particular, NAB thanks
all of the Commissioners for working collaboratively with stakeholders to
yield a positive item for the future of ATSC 3.0."
ee.uu.: radios podrian segmentar contenidos a traves de sus retransmisores
15-DIC/2020
The idea of allowing U.S.
radio stations to “geo-target” content via FM boosters took a step forward
this week.
We also got some insight into how several FCC commissioners are thinking
about the proposal, with one describing the idea as a “potentially
industry-altering technology.”
On Tuesday the Federal Communications Commission issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking to allow limited geo-targeting, and asked for comments.
This proposal has been pushed for years by technology company GeoBroadcast
Solutions LLC, and has gained support and interest from a number of
influential industry players.
The FCC wrote that the idea “presents novel technical and public interest
issues that would benefit from additional consideration.”
Geo-targeted content could include advertisements as well as other content.
The NPRM would change the booster rules to “enable FM broadcasters to use FM
booster stations to air geo-targeted content … independent of the signals of
its primary station within different portions of the primary station’s
protected service contour for a limited period of time during the broadcast
hour.”
GeoBroadcast Solutions welcomed this step: “The prospect of hyper-localizing
over-the-air radio content has great potential for the industry in reaching
underserved audiences, as well as providing news and alerts on a regional
basis, and improving the advertising revenue for the stations,” said
spokesman Robert Udowitz. “Industry groups, media and advertising companies,
broadcasting companies, minority coalitions and individual stations have all
supported and seen the prospects for this technology.”
GBS has said that the technology will work without causing any
adjacent-channel interference, and that any self-interference would be
manageable.
We learn in statements issued by the commissioners that Brendan Carr, a
Republican, and Geoffrey Starks, a Democrat, have been working together to
bring the idea to this point.
Starks has been a more public supporter of the idea, emphasizing its
potential benefit to small, women and minority broadcasters.
But Carr wrote after the NPRM was released, “We both saw the public interest
benefits of this new technology, and I welcomed the chance to work with him
and his team over the past few weeks and months to ensure that the
commission launched this rulemaking.”
Carr calls the idea “potentially industry-altering technology that will
allow FM broadcasters to deliver targeted content over their existing
spectrum.”
He wrote, “This technology promises to enhance service in local markets and
help these stations compete in an ever-expanding media marketplace. And it
means that the freedom to transmit targeted or customized content, which
mobile wireless carriers have long enjoyed and broadcast television stations
are now realizing with ATSC 3.0, could soon extend to broadcast radio as
well.”
Commissioner Michael O’Rielly, also a Republican but shortly to depart the
FCC, took a more cautious view.
O’Rielly said he welcomes creative ideas intended to help “legacy providers
to compete effectively with their unregulated counterparts.” But O’Rielly
expressed reservations about the pace of the rollout, “given its substantial
implications for reshaping FM radio policy and the radio advertising
marketplace.” He said the FCC should not rush.
“This rulemaking’s embrace of new radio technologies seems to have occurred
at almost light speed,” O’Rielly wrote. “In addition to these
process-related concerns, there are also substantive reasons to proceed with
caution. … Any rulemaking that considers taking steps that rely on a
proprietary technology should be done under a watchful and extremely
skeptical eye. It can take years, if not decades, to undue problematic
regulations that contain embedded technologies.”
He said comments that will be filed in coming weeks will be important.
“Geo-targeting will likely have different consequences for different
stations, and it will be important for the record to flesh out the relevant
benefits and drawbacks of more targeted ad sales,” he wrote.
“Some argue that increased targeting could expand ad sales by making smaller
stations, and even boosters, more attractive to ad buyers. However, it is
also possible, at the same time, that geotargeted ads will lower station
revenues overall because these ads will be cheaper as a result of reaching
fewer ears, leaving stations with a more limited product to offer and
putting them in the position of having to recoup lost revenue.”
O’Rielly said that if advertisers can slice any given market into half a
dozen mini markets, “it is possible they will only buy spots in certain
neighborhoods and forego others, while potentially reallocating remaining
funds to digital advertising or other media.”
In the best-case scenario, he said, stations would be under heightened
pressure to sell even more ads, at a time when potential ad sales are
already being lost to other media. “In the worst-case scenario, the door
could be opened to allowing advertisers to entirely ignore certain
neighborhoods or mini markets, placing an untenable strain on small stations
or broadcast boosters that operate in these areas and harming consumers who
live there. In the absence of more robust analysis, the assumption that
these changes will promote diversity of voices, much less ownership, is
incredibly premature.”
But Commissioner Starks has expressed no such reservations.
Starks pointed to the impact of the pandemic on small, minority broadcast
owners, and said this proposal will help. He cited supported from civil
rights organizations including MMTC, the National Association of Black Owned
Broadcasters (NABOB), National Urban League and numerous others.
“The ability to use of booster stations to provide hyper-localized content
potentially opens up opportunities for station owners to increase
advertising revenue, which for struggling stations could increase their
chance of staying on the air to serve their local communities. It could also
provide a cost-effective means for other small businesses to customize
advertising to a targeted audience.”
Another benefit, he said, is that it could help minorities gain more access
to capital.
“GeoBroadcast Solutions has developed an advertising revenue sharing model
that would help smaller stations install boosters and new technology
necessary to use the system without having to come up with up front capital
and operational expenses,” he wrote. “If this innovative proposal can
provide a new revenue stream that keeps even a few struggling stations on
air or opens up opportunities for new broadcasters to enter the market, it
is well worth our serious consideration.”
The comment deadline will be set once the notice appears in the Federal
Register.
Fuente: RWonline
fcc multo con 125.000 dolares a licenciatario de radio de florida por varios
incumplimientos
10-DIC/2020
MAGIC BROADCASTING II, LLC
has agreed to a Consent Decree with the FCC to resolve contesting and
antenna lighting and registration rule violations at Talk WVFT (REAL TALK
93.3)/GRETNA-TALLAHASSEE, FL and Top 40 WILN (ISLAND 106)/PANAMA CITY, FL.
MAGIC will pay a
$125,000 fine to settle the matter. The violations involved
WVFT's tower not being properly lit for more than a year, and
had been sold to MAGIC in 2012 without the FCC being notified;
the contest violations involved to WILN contests, the "Troll
Tracker" and "Alexa Almighty" contests, that had pre-selected
winners and fake telephone calls from "contestants" aired on
voice-tracked afternoon shows.
In other FCC actions, the Commission reached Consent Decrees
with NRG LICENSE SUB, LLC (several WISCONSIN and ILLINOIS
stations); RAVEN LICENSE SUB, LLC (additional WISCONSIN
stations); STEWARDS OF SOUND News-Talk WOGO-A and Christian AC
WWIB/HALLIE, WI); and MRR LICENSE LLC (Country WOOZ-F
(Z100)/HARRISBURG, IL and Sports WXLT (103.5 ESPN)/CHRISTOPHER,
IL) to resolve political public file violations. The licensees
will be required to adhere to compliance plans but were not
fined.
Fuente: Allaccess
estaciones de am podran realizar todas sus transmisiones en digital, avala
la fcc
30-OCT/2020
The Federal Communications
Commission today adopted a Report and Order that allows AM radio stations to
operate using all-digital broadcast signals. AM broadcasters will be able to
voluntarily choose whether and when to convert to all-digital operation from
their current analog or hybrid analog/digital signals.
All-digital broadcasting offers AM listeners significantly improved audio
quality and more reliable coverage over a wider listenable area than analog
or hybrid digital broadcasts. It also allows broadcasters to provide
additional services to the public, such as song title and artist
information. These enhancements will enable AM broadcasters to better
compete in today’s media marketplace.
Today’s Order establishes technical rules to protect existing AM broadcast
stations from interference. In addition, stations converting to all-digital
operation will be required to notify the Commission and the public 30 days
in advance of their transition. These stations must provide at least one
free over-the-air digital programming stream that is comparable to or better
in audio quality than a standard analog broadcast. They also must continue
to participate in the Emergency Alert System. The Order envisions that AM
broadcasters will decide whether to convert to all-digital operation based
on the conditions in their respective markets.
EE.UU.: juez ordena la detencion de un hombre que se niega a entregar tres
estaciones de radio a su nuevo dueño
07-SEP/2020
A federal judge has ordered
California station owner Ed Stolz to be put in jail after he spent the
summer ignoring an order to hand over control of three radio stations to a
court-appointed receiver. Stolz was to have turned over the keys to receiver
Larry Patrick but has so far failed to do so. He also skipped an Aug. 17
hearing. That has led U.S. District Court Judge Jesus Bernal to find Stolz
in contempt of a court.
“As a consequence
of this contempt of court, the Court orders that Stolz shall be
jailed until he fully complies with the Court’s orders,” Bernal
wrote in an order this week. He gave Stolz until Sept. 11 to
turn himself into federal marshals in Riverside, CA or face the
prospect that a bench warrant will be issued for his arrest.
To avoid that outcome, Bernal is again ordering Stolz to turn
over all property deeds, land leases, and any contracts
governing office, studio or transmitter towers used by the
stations. He must also supply Patrick with programming and
advertising contracts, bank statements from the past three
months, recent station payroll records, and any keys he may have
to any of the stations and their facilities. Even if he does all
that is required, Bernal has slapped Stolz with what amounts to
a $5,000 fine. The money would cover the expenses that Patrick
rang up as a result of what the judge says has been “misconduct”
by Stolz. “Payment of these sanctions shall be a precondition
for the release of Stolz from custody,” he wrote in the order.
The stations involved in the dispute include CHRs “92.7 The
Revolution” KREV San Francisco, “104.3 Now” KFRH Las Vegas, and
“Hot Hits 97.7” KRCK-FM Palm Springs, CA. Stolz was ordered in
July to turn the trio over to the receiver to be sold. The move
came after Stolz’s stations were found to have used the music of
17 different copyright holders, without securing the rights.
In a complaint filed in April 2016 in U.S. District Court, the
music companies – including some of the largest, like Sony/ATV,
Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group – alleged the
Stolz-owned stations had played music in their catalogs without
obtaining the required licenses. They alleged some of the
violations dated to 1981. The court awarded the music companies
a combined $1,249,563 in damages for each of the eleven
copyright violations named in their complaint. Stolz appealed
the judgement, but the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the
verdict, meaning some of what the FMs fetch in a sale will go to
pay damages to the music companies.
Stolz’s Royce International Broadcasting owns one other station
that is not affected by the receivership: “790 Talk Now” KBET
Las Vegas.
Fuente: Inside radio
FCC ELIMINO LA REGLA DE DUPLICACION DE RADIO
07-AGO/2020
The Federal Communications
Commission today adopted a Report and Order eliminating the radio
duplication rule for both the AM and FM services. The rule restricts the
duplication of programming on commonly owned broadcast radio stations
operating in the same service and geographic area.
The radio duplication rule, initially adopted in 1964, has been updated
several times over the years to reflect marketplace changes, most recently
in 1992. In today’s Order, the Commission finds that eliminating the radio
duplication rule will help struggling stations stay on the air; afford
broadcast radio licensees greater flexibility to address issues of local
concern in a timely fashion, particularly in times of crisis; assist with
format changes; facilitate a potential voluntary digital transition in the
AM service; and ultimately allow stations to improve service to their
communities. The Commission also concludes that broadcasters have no
incentive to limit their appeal and thus their revenues by simulcasting the
same programming on multiple stations for long periods of time so the
benefits of providing additional flexibility outweigh any costs.
The rulemaking furthers the Commission’s Modernization of Media Regulation
Initiative to eliminate or modify media regulations that are outdated,
unnecessary or unduly burdensome, and concludes the 18th proceeding that is
part of this initiative.
Action by the Commission August 6, 2020 by Report and Order (FCC 20-109).
Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly and Carr approving. Commissioners
Rosenworcel and Starks concurring in part and dissenting in part. Chairman
Pai, Commissioners Carr, Rosenworcel, and Starks issuing separate
statements.
Fuente: FCC
FCC APLICO MULTA A RADIO EDUCATIVA POR DIFUNDIR 1600 PUBLICIDADES
21-JUL/2020
A Fort Collins-Greeley, CO
market low-power FM has been slapped with a $15,000 fine by the Federal
Communications Commission after it determined the station aired more than
1,600 commercials promoting a variety of products and services during a
three-month period in 2018. The FCC says adult standards “Pirate Radio
104.7” KELS-LP violated the Commission’s rules prohibiting commercial
advertisements on noncommercial educational stations.
KELS-LP first came
on the radar of the Enforcement Bureau in 2015 when several
complaints were lodged about license holder Plymouth Gathering
essentially operating the noncommercial station as a commercial
station. In September 2018 field agents at the Colorado field
office paid a visit to the station and recorded a segment of
programming. The transcript of that tape revealed 14 different
announcements that went beyond the limits put on traditional
underwriting spots allowed for noncommercial radio. The ads were
for local restaurants, a shoe store, a jeweler, realtors, auto
repair shops, home repair shops, and a pet grooming service,
among other local businesses.
“None of the foregoing announcements are permissible,” wrote
Enforcement Bureau Chief Rosemary Harold in the forfeiture
order, explaining each spot had “clearly promotional” language.
“Each announcement refers either to specific qualities or
attributes of the respective underwriters and their products and
seeks to distinguish them from competitors or contains language
of inducement,” she said. Harold also noted that KELS-LP did not
dispute the accuracy of the transcripts when presented with the
evidence.
The result is a tentative $15,000 fine against the LPFM.
Plymouth Gathering now has thirty days to pay the fine or file a
response that explains why the penalty should be reduced or
canceled.
Shorter Is Safer
In the Bureau’s decision, Harold also offers some guidelines for
noncommercial stations, including LPFMs, about what sort of copy
points should not be included in their underwriting
announcements. While brand or store names can be acknowledged
for contributing to a station, the FCC rules say those mentions
cannot promote the contributors’ products, services, or business
in general. The underwriting mentions also cannot include
comparative or qualitative descriptions; price information
(sales or discounts); calls to action; inducements to buy, sell,
rent, or lease; and excessively detailed “menu listings” of
services offered by the entity.
“The Commission has found that the longer the announcement, the
more likely it is to contain material that is inconsistent with
its ‘identification only” purpose,” said Harold. “The Commission
expects that licensees exercise reasonable ‘good faith’ judgment
in this area and affords some latitude to the judgments of
licensees who do so,” she added.
Fuente: Inside Radio
DOS RADIOS ILEGALES DE BOSTON PAGAN MULTAS Y SE DESHACEN DE EQUIPOS TRAS
ACUERDO CON LA FCC
06-JUL/2020
The Federal Communications
Commission today reached settlements with two Boston-area pirate radio
operators, Acerome Jean Charles and Gerlens Cesar, following FCC Enforcement
Bureau investigations. Through these Consent Decrees, the two operators will
pay monetary penalties, admit to violations of section 301 of the
Communications Act, agree to 20-year compliance commitments, and agree to
dispose of any remaining broadcast equipment in their possession.
Unauthorized radio
broadcast stations—also known as pirate radio stations—operate
illegally, undermine the Commission’s efforts to manage radio
spectrum, and can interfere with licensed communications,
including authorized broadcasts and public safety transmissions.
In December, the Commission issued two Notices of Apparent
Liability to Acerome Jean Charles and Gerlens Cesar for their
apparent unlicensed operations of broadcast radio stations—Radio
Concorde and Radio TeleBoston, respectively—in the Boston-area
in violation of section 301 of the Communication Act. The
Enforcement Bureau negotiated the two Consent Decrees, which
provide for a strict compliance plan over a period of 20 years
to prevent Jean Charles and Cesar from ever resuming unlicensed
broadcasting. Jean Charles has agreed to pay a civil penalty of
$4,000, and to pay a further penalty of $75,000 if he violates
section 301 of the Act or violates the terms of the Consent
Decree; Cesar has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $5,000, and
agreed to pay a further penalty of $225,000 if he violates
section 301 of the Act or violates the terms of the Consent
Decree.
As part of these compliance commitments, both Jean Charles and
Cesar have ceased their own pirate radio broadcasting and have
agreed not to materially assist anyone else committing such
acts. Each has agreed to destroy any broadcast equipment
remaining in their possession.
Fuente: FCC
SINCLAIR PAGO multa de 48 millones de dolares y cerro tres investigaciones
de la fcc
11-MAY/2020
The Federal Communications
Commission today (mayo, 6) announced the largest civil penalty involving a
broadcaster in the agency’s 86-year history. Specifically, Sinclair
Broadcasting Group has agreed to pay a $48 million civil penalty and abide
by a strict compliance plan in order to close three open investigations.
This penalty is twice the prior record for a broadcaster, which was the $24
million paid by Univision in 2007.
Specifically, the
Consent Decree closes an investigation into the company’s
disclosure of information relating to its proposed acquisition
of stations owned by Tribune Media. The agreement also closes
investigations into whether the company has met its obligations
to negotiate retransmission consent agreements in good faith and
its failure to identify the sponsor of content it produced and
supplied to both Sinclair and non-Sinclair television stations.
“Sinclair’s conduct during its attempt to merge with Tribune was
completely unacceptable,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “Today’s
penalty, along with the failure of the Sinclair/Tribune
transaction, should serve as a cautionary tale to other
licensees seeking Commission approval of a transaction in the
future. On the other hand, I disagree with those who, for
transparently political reasons, demand that we revoke
Sinclair’s licenses. While they don’t like what they perceive to
be the broadcaster’s viewpoints, the First Amendment still
applies around here.”
In December 2017, the Commission voted to propose a fine of over
$13 million for failing to make the required disclosures for the
paid programming, the largest fine it has ever proposed for a
violation of sponsorship identification rules. The programming
in question was broadcast more than 1,700 times, either as
stories resembling independently generated news coverage that
aired during the local news or as longer-form stories aired as
30-minute television programs without identifying the true
sponsor of the content (the Huntsman Cancer Foundation). In the
Consent Decree, Sinclair admits that its actions violated the
Commission’s sponsorship identification rules.
Fuente: FCC
fcc hizo cambios en el reglamento de la fm de baja potencia
28-ABR/2020
The low-power community has
remained on the sidelines as a series of rule modernization proposals were
adopted by the Federal Communications Commission benefitting full-power FMs
and AMs. Now it’s LPFM’s turn. The Commission on Thursday adopted a proposal
that embraces a series of technical suggestions and revisions to the rule
book submitted to the agency in recent years. Taken together, the FCC says
the technical changes will allow LPFMs to improve reception and increase
flexibility in transmitter siting while at the same time maintain the
interference protection limits that have allowed the stations to coexist
alongside full-power stations.
The most
noteworthy shift is a decision to allow LPFMs to use directional
antennas. The Media Bureau concluded that with some safeguards,
the move would provide “significant flexibility” to operators as
they squeeze onto a crowded radio dial. “Such flexibility would
most likely be of the most use in situations where an LPFM
station can use contour protection, such as to demonstrate that
it should receive a waiver of second-adjacent spacing
requirements,” the order says.
The FCC will also permit LPFMs to use custom-built antennas
designed for specific locations instead of only “off-the-shelf”
models with parameters set by manufacturers. It says that might
make it easier for stations to relocate in areas with many
stations and few transmitter sites. Some advocates have
suggested it might also help LPFMs that have become short-spaced
with FM translators. It’s an issue that’s become more prevalent
as the FCC has increased the number of translators as a way to
help AM stations.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the New
Jersey Broadcasters Association (NJBA) had both urged the FCC to
reject the proposals, but their protests were unsuccessful. The
Media Bureau says it didn’t find any compelling reason to
restrict the use of directional antennas by LPFMs.
But the FCC rejected the idea that more directional antennas
will lead to inference issues, calling those protests “largely
unfounded” since LPFM remains a secondary service and the same
minimum spacing and maximum power requirements would dictate
operations. “We also do not anticipate substantial use of
directional antennas because they would not be necessary or
cost-effective in the majority of circumstances,” the order
says. It also notes that directional signals could permit more
LPFMs to be located along the Canadian and Mexican borders.
The FCC also dismissed the NAB’s argument that low-power
stations have frequently violated technical rules. The Media
Bureau says the LPFM service is now two decades old, and while
stations still operate with limited budgets, it has observed
that more operators are enlisting the service of consulting
engineers.
Allow Ownership of FM Booster Stations
The FCC already allows low-power stations to simulcast on up to
two FM translators. But the Commission approved changes that
will also permit LPFMs to own and operate FM booster stations
without first securing a waiver. Advocates say it will help
stations where poor reception due to terrain hampers reception.
Critics, including NJBA, said the Commission shouldn’t allow
LPFMs to operate a booster unless it also permits Class A FMs to
increase their power level from 3,000-watts to 6,000-watts to
combat potential interference. Such an argument didn’t get far
with the Media Bureau however, which said because boosters would
transmit an LPFM within its existing service area there’d be “no
impact on reception of other stations.”
The Commission also approved revisions that redefine the types
of LPFM facility changes that qualify as “minor” in order to
make it easier for stations to relocate their facilities. If
approved, the FCC would allow LPFM site changes up to 11.2
kilometers, or up to any greater distance that would result in
overlapping 60dBu service contours between the existing and
relocated facilities. While LPFM advocates had pushed for more,
the proposal drew an objection by NJBA, which expressed concerns
such a change might cause interference to full-power stations.
But the FCC pushed back against that, saying it sees “no
connection” with how it defines a minor change.
Among the other changes the FCC approved is a clarification of
the rules that state LPFMs must alert the Commission if they are
off-air for more than ten days and request Commission authority
to remain off-air more than 30 days. The same rule applies to
full-power stations.
The FCC is also approved changes to the rules that govern
third-adjacent channel interference. The Media Bureau said it
wasn’t aware of any complaints of third-adjacent interference to
date, calling the proposal a “small change in wording” rather a
significant policy change.
No More Power For LPFMs
For the past five years low-power advocates, including REC
Networks, Prometheus Radio Project and Common Frequency, have
said LPFMs should be allowed to increase their power to up to
250-watts. They argued many LPFMs have a difficult time
penetrating structures, in part because their antennas often sit
on top of low-rise buildings and not large broadcast towers. But
the order revealed there are limits to how far the FCC is
willing to go.
The agency concludes increasing LPFMs to 250-watts would
“complicate” the licensing process, and would be “inconsistent
with Congress” and the Commission’s intent when establishing the
LPFM service.” Instead, it says that by allowing low-power
stations to secure translators, it would achieve the same goal
as increased power limits. The NAB has repeatedly opposed the
suggestion, arguing it could create more interference.
The FCC has also deferred any decision on whether to eliminate
the distance separation rules between LPFMs operating in the
reserved band on the left end of the dial. That’s because the
Media Bureau is currently considering the question of whether
low-power TV stations operating on channel 6 should be allowed
to continue functioning as radio stations. The decision on those
so-called “Franken FMs” could have implications on the LPFM
proposal, it said, tentatively concluding the agency will be in
a better position to assess the situation after July 2021 when
the television spectrum repack process has been completed.
EAS Requirements Would Remain
Even after low-power proponents withdrew their request that
LPFMs be exempted from Emergency Alert System requirements the
FCC nevertheless examined the request. And it has concluded that
it agrees with the NAB, which has argued that the public should
get alerts from whatever station they’re listening to.
The FCC says LPFMs already have fewer EAS requirements than
full-service stations and stated that the requirements are not
“overly burdensome.” But the Commission also makes one small
change that would reduce the number of EAS units required for
LPFM stations operating on a time-shared basis as long as
they’re under the same roof. The FCC calls that a “reasonable
way to promote increased EAS participation by LPFM stations.”
It’s similar to the full-power rules that permit co-owned,
co-located facilities, such as AM and FM stations licensed to
the same entity and at the same location, to monitor using just
one EAS decoder.
LPFM Call Letters Stay At Six
The Commission also went along with a Media Bureau
recommendation that the current LPFM call letter format – which
include “-LP” – be maintained. Some advocates had suggested the
–LP suffix be dropped to put low-power stations on a more even
playing field with full-power stations. But the FCC says the
six-letter call sign is still needed in order for the agency to
keep track of which station it’s dealing with. It also helps the
public easily determine what they’re listening to. It notes just
like commercial stations, low-power operators are able to market
themselves through slogans and images that are only loosely
associated with their call letters or frequencies.
Pai Thinks LPFMs Are Ready
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (MB Docket Nos. 19-193) was
released last July. FCC Chair Ajit Pai has said he believes the
segment of the radio industry is ready for some modernization.
“This maturation means that LPFM stations should be able to take
advantage of additional engineering options to improve
reception,” he said in a recent blog post. Pai also acknowledged
the programming that several low-power stations are offering
listeners in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commissioner Michael O’Rielly called the changes approved
Thursday a “narrow set of improvements” to the FCC’s rules with
“safeguards” to ensure certain changes do not harm other FM
broadcasters. “I remain sympathetic to the commenters who voiced
concern regarding the potential deployment of more directional
antennas by LPFM stations and have to trust that proofs of
performance will provide adequate insurance against misuse,” he
said, adding, “This is an important issue that I intend to watch
closely as these rules are implemented.”
The latest data from the FCC shows the number of LPFMs declined
by ten during the first quarter. It said there were 2,159 LPFMs
licensed as of March 31.
Fuente: Inside Radio
EE.UU FLEXIBILIZA REGLAS DE CONTENIDOS PARA LAS ESTACIONES DE TV
11-ABR/2020
As part of the FCC’s ongoing
efforts to increase regulatory flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic, the
Media Bureau today issued a Public Notice that provides a temporary, limited
waiver to TV broadcasters to enable them to more easily air live and taped
same-day local content, like religious services, during time slots regularly
dedicated to children’s programming. This flexibility will allow
broadcasters to encourage social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic
by airing important community programming that can substitute for live
in-person attendance at events, such as Easter religious services or
Passover seders.
“Local
broadcasters can make a unique contribution to our country in
this difficult time,” said Chairman Pai. “On one hand, social
distancing is a critical factor in enabling the mitigation of
the spread of the coronavirus. On the other, we are in the midst
of important holy days for so many Americans. By making it
easier for local TV stations to broadcast religious services and
rituals to the faithful in their homes, we can enable both
social distancing and observance. I thank local broadcasters for
working with us on this matter and wish everyone a safe and
blessed holiday season.”
In order to promote social distancing, the Bureau’s waiver
allows broadcasters to air important local community content in
place of weekly, regularly scheduled children’s programming
without the requirement that it be rescheduled. The Bureau
continues to require that stations inform viewers that
children’s programming has been preempted and encourages
stations to reschedule any pre-empted children’s programs and
provide any rescheduling information that they can to viewers.
The limited waiver will remain in effect through April 30.
Chairman Pai has thanked radio and television broadcasters for
their tireless efforts during the coronavirus outbreak,
including running public service announcements on social
distancing, airing educational programming to help with distance
learning, expanding COVID-19 reporting, and holding fundraisers
to help those who have faced financial hardship due to the
virus. He has also asked broadcasters to work with cable and
satellite operators to avoid service disruptions during the
pandemic. More information on the Commission’s work during the
coronavirus pandemic is available at:
https://www.fcc.gov/coronavirus.
Fuente: FCC
la industria de la radio y tv en estados unidos genera 1.17 trillones de
dolares de actividad economica
23-SEP/2019
The local commercial
broadcast television and radio industry generates $1.17 trillion of Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) and 2.47 million jobs through direct and stimulative
effect on the American economy, found a new study by Woods & Poole Economics
with support from BIA Advisory Services.
The analysis examines local broadcasting’s impact on the economy through
direct employment, its ripple effect on other industries and as an
advertising medium for messaging consumers. Local radio and television’s
influence on the national economy as well as all 50 states and the District
of Columbia is broken out in the study.
“America’s local broadcast radio and TV stations play a unique role in every
community across the country. They keep citizens informed with local news,
viewers entertained with the most-watched programming and families safe with
lifeline emergency information,” said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith.
“But broadcasting plays a pivotal economic role as well, creating hundreds
of thousands of well-paying jobs while helping hometown small businesses
reach local consumers through advertising.”
The study found that direct employment from local commercial broadcasting,
which includes jobs at local television and radio stations as well as in
advertising and programming, is estimated at more than 318,000 jobs,
generating more than $53 billion annually in economic impact. Broadcast
television accounts for over 188,000 of these jobs, as well as more than $31
billion in GDP, while broadcast radio provides over 130,000 jobs that result
in more than $21 billion in GDP.
Of the 318,000 jobs provided through direct employment, about one-third are
tied to industries supporting local broadcasting.
“Other industries are impacted by local television and radio broadcasting
because they provide goods and services used in creating local television
and radio broadcasting and advertising,” said the study. “Industries as
varied as telecommunications, public utilities, manufacturing,
transportation and retail trade provide inputs into the production of local
television and radio broadcasting.”
The study also examined the ripple effect employment in local broadcast
television and radio has on local economies through the consumption of goods
and services by industry employees. Local broadcasting has a ripple effect
on other industries of over $132 billion in GDP and more than 794,000 jobs,
the report concluded.
“The income from local television and radio broadcast jobs flows through the
economy creating additional jobs and income in various economic sectors,”
said the study. “A job in local television and radio broadcast stations
multiplies itself by helping create jobs in construction, farming, mining,
state and local government and all other economic sectors. The workers in
the industries supplying goods and services to local television and radio
broadcast workers in turn consume goods and services.”
Local broadcasting's largest impact on the American economy stems from its
role as a forum for advertising of goods and services that stimulates
economic activity, Woods & Poole found. The study estimated local broadcast
TV and radio advertising generated over $988 billion in GDP and supports
1.36 million jobs.
“Local television and radio advertising serves an important role for both
consumers and businesses in providing economic information on product prices
and features,” said the study. “Reaching all United States households, local
broadcast television and radio stations provide consumers with highly valued
marketplace information and businesses with immediate economic and
competitive intelligence. In this way, broadcast television and radio
stations have their most significant impact on economic growth.”
Woods & Poole analyzed only local commercial broadcast radio and television
stations including locally owned and operated commercial stations, network
affiliate stations and independent stations. Noncommercial radio and TV
stations and the operations of over-the-air broadcast networks were not part
of the analysis, except for networks' owned-and-operated local television
stations. The study was commissioned by the National Association of
Broadcasters.
Fuente: NAB
fcc propone una multa de 272 mil dolares a cbs por haber emitido un falso
tono de alerta
16-SEP/2019
Esta semana nos ha
sorprendido la multa que recibirá Young Sheldon, por no acatar las normas de
los Estados Unidos. Aunque la serie va a estrenar su tercera temporada, la
Comisión Federal de Comunicaciones descubrió un sonido prohibido en el
capítulo 18 de la primera temporada.
La multa se
realiza por usar un sonido igual al que utiliza el sistema de
alerta de emergencia de Estados Unidos. De este modo, el ente
regulador ha sancionado a la serie por un valor de 272 mil
dólares como multa.
El comunicado realizado por la comisión dice lo siguiente:
El uso no autorizado de los tonos del sistema de emergencia
socava el propio sistema y presenta una amenaza sustancial para
la seguridad pública.
La política subyacente no se limita solo a la posible confusión
del oyente en el momento de la transmisión inadecuada de los
tonos de emergencia; la Comisión también advierte de que el uso
de tonos simulados con propósitos no autorizados -con fines
comerciales o de entretenimiento- puede conducir a un efecto de
'lobo llorón' o 'fatiga de alerta.
Ahora la CBS, propietaria de la serie, deberá responder a las
acusaciones y presentar su defensa frente a lo que ha sucedido
en uno de sus capítulos. En el pasado The Walking Dead fue
multada por 100 mil dólares al hacer lo mismo, pero
recientemente el programa de Jimmy Kimmel debió pagar casi 400
mil dólares por hacer uso inadecuado de estos sonidos.
Al parecer, el uso de estos sonidos representa una amenaza para
la seguridad nacional, por lo que pueden poner en riesgo o
confundir a los habitantes. Aunque los usuarios en las redes
sociales han asegurado que multar series por este tema es
exagerado, la comisión tiene otro modo de pensar en cuanto a
hacer cumplir la ley.
Fuente: Wemediums
fusion entre viacom y cbs
16-AGO/2019
La nueva compañía se llamará
ViacomCBS. Los accionistas de CBS poseerán el 61% del capital. La fusión
combinará la red de TV CBS, CBS News, las redes de cable Showtime con MTV
Networks, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central y los estudios de cine Paramount.
CBS Corp y Viacom Inc llegaron a un acuerdo que reúne el imperio de
entretenimiento estadounidense del magnate de los medios Sumner Redstone,
con la apuesta de tener una compañía más grande que podrá competir y
asociarse mejor en una sector dominado por gigantes.
La nueva compañía se llamará ViacomCBS Inc, pese a que los accionistas de
CBS poseerán el 61% del capital y los de Viacom, el 39%.
La fusión combinará la red de televisión CBS, CBS News, las redes de cable
Showtime con MTV Networks, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central y los estudios de
cine Paramount. La unión tendrá derechos sobre más de 140.000 episodios de
TV y 3.600 películas. Anualmente, se estima que genera unos 28.000 millones
de dólares en ingresos.
La empresa tendrá un valor de mercado de unos 30.000 millones de dólares,
que es pequeño en comparación con rivales como Netflix Inc, Walt Disney Co o
Comcast Corp .
Las empresas que se fusionan están controladas por National Amusements Inc,
el holding de propiedad del multimillonario Sumner Redstone y su hija,
Shari.
"Mi padre dijo una vez: 'El contenido es el rey'. Nunca ha sido tan cierto
como hoy", dijo Shari Redstone en un comunicado.
El tercer intento de fusión desde 2016 es una victoria decisiva para Shari
Redstone, cuyo padre creó las compañías a través de una serie de fusiones y
luego las separó hace 13 años.
Las acciones de Viacom
subieron un 2,4% a 29,21 dólares y las de CBS, un 1,4% a 48,70 dólares,
después de que se anunció la fusión.
Fuente: Totalmedios
USA. RADIO ILEGAL ENTREGA EQUIPAMIENTO Y SE EXPONE A UNA MULTA DE u$s 75.000
14-JUN/2019
The U.S. Attorney’s Office
has reached a settlement with Vasco Oburoni and Christian Praise
International Church regarding a radio station in Worcester that has been
operating without a license from the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC).
According to a
consent decree filed today and subject to Court approval, Vasco
Oburoni and Christian Praise International Church agree not to
operate an unlicensed radio station in violation of the
Communications Act of 1934. They also agree to surrender all of
their broadcasting equipment. In the event the FCC reasonably
suspects that they have violated the Act, the FCC may inspect
the premises and seize any broadcasting equipment. Finally, if
the FCC determines that the defendants have operated an
unlicensed broadcasting station in violation of the settlement,
the defendants must pay a $75,000 fine.
According to the signed consent decree, Vasco Oburoni and
Christian Praise International Church admitted that they
operated a radio broadcast station in Worcester, on frequency
97.1 MHz, without a license from the FCC, and previously
operated an unlicensed radio station on frequency 102.3 MHz. The
FCC issued multiple warnings to the illegal operators and issued
a forfeiture order in the amount of $15,000 against Oburoni for
repeated violation of the Communications Act of 1934. Oburoni
agreed to a payment plan, but later began broadcasting again
without a license on a different frequency. The FCC received
complaints, including from a licensed broadcaster, that the
unlicensed station is interfering with radio signals.
The Communications Act of 1934 prohibits the operation of radio
broadcasting equipment above certain low-intensity thresholds
without a license issued by the FCC. The Act authorizes the
Department of Justice, at the request of the FCC, to seek an
injunction ordering compliance with the Communications Act
against operators broadcasting without an FCC license. The
number of available radio frequencies is limited, and unlicensed
broadcasting can interfere with the broadcasting of legitimate
licensed radio stations, potentially causing chaos in the radio
spectrum.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Rosemary Harold,
Chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau made the announcement
today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol E. Head of Lelling’s Asset
Recovery Unit is handling the matter.
Fuente: FCC
FCC FIJO REGLAS PARA RESOLVER RAPIDO DISPUTAS EN LA FM
14-ABR/2019
In a move designed to bring
more certainty and clarity to the process of resolving translator inference
complaints, the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday voted
unanimously in favor of new guidelines on how to process disputes between
translators and full-power FMs.
“The interference
resolution process can be lengthy, contentious and expensive for
all parties concerned,” said Lisa Scanlan, Deputy Chief of the
FCC’s Audio Division. “There is a need for more certainty and
clarify regarding how we expect stations to report and resolve
issues with translator interference.”
One of the most difficult issues for the Audio Division to
resolve as it crafted its proposal was how close an
interference-causing translator must be to the full-power FM to
be considered actionable. Under the new rules, the FCC will use
a station’s outer 45dBu contour limit. That includes
establishing a minimum number of additional listener complaints
that must be included in any waiver seeking to establish a claim
of interference outside the complaining station’s 45dBu contour.
While the FCC received proposals calling for a 60dBU or 54dBU
contour limit instead, it says there is “extensive evidence”
from markets nationwide to support the idea that full-service
stations have substantial listenership outside the 54dBu
contour—and that listenership would be at risk if interference
complaints outside this limit were not considered actionable.
The new rules raised some question about how to deal with what
are known as “super-maximum” Class B FMs, especially in southern
California. LPFM advocates had suggested the FCC stick to those
guidelines and that the 45dBu line should be considered the
“class maximum” and not what the outer contour is for such
super-powered stations. But Bonneville, Educational Media
Foundation and iHeartMedia insisted there is significant
listening to FMs beyond their 45dBu contours and they should be
given broader protections. In its order, Scanlan said the Bureau
created a waiver mechanism for stations that “believe
interference is impacting a substantial listenership beyond the
contour limit.”
Here’s some of what else is changing:
- The order adds more “flexibility” to its rules by allowing FM
translator stations to change frequency to any available
same-band channel – as a minor change in response to
interference issues. It notes channel changes are “a relatively
low cost way to resolve interference with little or no reduction
in service area.”
- The FCC also established a minimum number of listener
complaints ranging from a low of six to a high of 25,
proportionate to the population the complaining station serves,
that a station would need to submit with any claim of
interference.
- Interference complaints often devolve into questions about the
veracity of the allegations. In an effort to reduce those
fights, the FCC approved guidelines for specific things a
listener must say in their complaint. That includes sharing
complete contact information; a clear, concise and accurate
description of the location where the interference is alleged to
occur; a statement that they listen to the station over-the-air
at least twice a month to demonstrate the complainant is a
regular listener; and a statement that the complainant has no
legal, employment, financial or familial affiliation or
relationship with the station.
- In a series of steps designed to help resolve disputes, the
FCC okayed several moves that translator owners must take to
keep their signals on the air. They include working with the
listener to help resolve the problem. But the order eliminates
the requirement that listener complainants must cooperate with
the translator operator. Instead, it would be up to the listener
if they wanted to help.
- The Commission also concluded that 90 days “should be
sufficient” to resolve most claims of interference. If it goes
beyond that, the Media Bureau must offer an explanation as to
why.
Commissioner Michael O’Rielly had pushed the FCC to firm up that
90-day remediation deadline process. He said it would bring “an
even higher level of predictability to the process.”
The new guidelines largely follow suggestions handed to the
agency by the National Association of Broadcasters in 2017. “The
FCC deserves credit for endorsing a common-sense compromise for
reviewing FM radio listener complaints alleging interference
from FM translators,” NAB spokesman Dennis Wharton said. “FM
translators have been enormously helpful extending the reach of
AM radio stations. We’re pleased the FCC continues to embrace
ideas that foster the revitalization of AM radio.”
Are There Too Many Translators?
The problem of translator inference has obviously grown as more
have signed on as part of the FCC’s ongoing AM revitalization
initiative. In the past two years alone the FCC has issued more
than 1,700 construction permits and there are now more than
8,000 authorized translators.
“The economic importance of FM translators to AM broadcasters in
particular cannot be overstated,” said Scanlan. “But within this
success has been an uptick in interference complaints from
primary FM stations due to the increasing number of translators
on the air.”
The AM effort has been one of the showpiece initiatives of
Chairman Ajit Pai. He rejects the idea that a need to address
translator interference suggests too many now crowd the radio
dial. “We can have the best of both worlds,” he told reporters.
“We can encourage continued service of thriving FM stations and
we can make sure translators who got on the air are able to
provide a valuable service through our AM radio revitalization
initiative.”
Pai said the new rules should mean both fewer complaints while
also creating a way to more quickly deal with the ones the FCC
does receive. “To me at least, that is a win for the translator
community as well as incumbent FM stations,” he said.
Fuente: Inside Radio
FCC FIJO NUEVAS PAUTAS PARA EL USO DE LOS ESPACIOS EN BLANCO DE LA TV
03-ABR/2019
The FCC has sent the signal
that allowing the so-called white spaces between TV channels to be used for
fixed and mobile wireless devices are ready for prime time.
That came in a report and order adopted Wednesday, March 20. The FCC also
resolved a number of petitions to reconsider (recon) the TV White Spaces
Order that initially opened up the spectrum to broadband.
Specifically, the
FCC finalized its reconsideration proceeding and its database
accuracy proceeding so that broadband providers can invest in
rural connectivity.
The FCC is permitting the use of white space devices (notably
computers), both fixed and mobile, in unused channels, ch. 37,
guard bands between broadcast and wireless spectrum and between
uplink and downlink spectrum in the 600 MHz band--which they are
sharing after the incentive auction.
It is part of the FCC's focus on freeing up more spectrum for
advanced wireless and closing the rural digital divide, which
computer companies argue "white spaces" play a key role.
Microsoft, Google and other computer companies on one side and
the National Association of Broadcasters on the other have been
at loggerheads over the issue. Microsoft has been pushing for as
much spectrum as possible, saying that remote sensing technology
can seek out and avoid TV channels in real time, preventing the
sort of interference NAB said current remote sensing technology
has not been proven to provide.
NAB wanted the FCC to vet the sensing technology before opening
the floodgates, as it were.
The FCC order does require that white spaces devices include
internal geo-location capability, both for outdoor and indoor
use, and that the devices automatically provide coordinates to
the database that is meant to map out the TV frequencies to
avoid.
That is a victory for NAB, which sought the geo-location, and a
defeat for Microsoft, which suggested the automatic capability
was not necessary. The FCC took a little off it by denying NAB's
request that it tighten geo-location accuracy requirements.
“NAB appreciates the FCC’s decision to strengthen its white
spaces rules. Requiring automatic geo-location in white spaces
devices will help increase accuracy and protect television
viewers from harmful interference.”
NAB wanted the FCC to require a wired connection between a
remote geo-location source and a fixed white space device,
rather than a wireless connection, but the FCC sided with
Microsoft on that point, and also said it would not limit the
distance between that remote location and the device, something
else NAB wanted.
NAB had asked that the FCC require the devices to identify their
height above ground, but the FCC declined to do so.
la multa mas alta para propietarios de estacion de tv sin licencia en
kentucky
01-FEB/2019
The Federal Communications
Commission today fined the operators of a Kentucky unlicensed low-power
television station $144,344. An FCC investigation found that the individuals
operating the station, Vearl Pennington and Michael Williamson, continued to
operate years after the FCC license for their station was cancelled after
they failed to file a valid renewal application.
In 1990, Mr. Pennington was granted an FCC license to operate low-power
television station W10BM in Morehead, Kentucky. Mr. Pennington renewed the
station’s license in 1993 but failed to do so again in 1998. In 2004, the
FCC’s Media Bureau wrote to Mr. Pennington to inquire if he had submitted a
renewal request in 1998. Receiving no response, the Media Bureau canceled
the station’s license in 2004. Mr. Pennington, joined by Mr. Williamson,
continued to operate the station despite their lack of an FCC-issued
license. After learning of the continued, unlicensed operation of the
station, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau field agents personally warned Messrs.
Pennington and Williamson that their unlicensed broadcasts violated FCC
rules and the Communications Act. Despite the warning, the duo continued to
operate the station. In May 2017, the Commission adopted a Notice of
Apparent Liability for Forfeiture proposing a fine of $144,344.
FCC
FCC APROBO PROGRAMA PARA AUMENTAR LA DIVERSIDAD EN LA INDUSTRIA DE LA RADIO
Y LA TV
09-AGO/2018
The Federal Communications
Commission today (tuesday 2) took a historic and long overdue step to
increase ownership diversity in the broadcast industry. Specifically, the
Commission adopted requirements that will govern an incubator program to
assist new, small, or struggling voices, including women and minorities, in
overcoming the key barriers to entry into the broadcast sector.
For many years,
both the civil rights community and broadcasting industry have
called for the establishment of an incubator program. Today’s
Order, at long last, answers that call. Under the program, an
established broadcaster will provide financial and operational
support, including training and mentoring, to a new or small
broadcaster. At the end of a successful incubation relationship,
the new or small broadcaster will either own and operate a new
station independently, or the previously struggling
broadcaster’s station will be on a firmer footing. Once an
incubation relationship is completed successfully, the
established broadcaster will be eligible to receive a waiver of
the Commission’s Local Radio Ownership Rule, subject to certain
requirements.
The incubator program initially will apply to full-service AM
and FM broadcast radio stations as the costs of obtaining and
operating radio stations make the radio sector a significantly
more accessible entry point than television for entities with
limited capital resources and operational experience.
The incubator program addresses the need for more innovative
approaches to provide access to capital, as well as technical,
operational, and management training, to new entrants and small
broadcasters that otherwise would not be able to own a
full-service broadcast radio station, acquire an additional
station, or remain in the broadcasting business.
The Commission appreciates the input of all stakeholders that
participated in this proceeding, especially its Advisory
Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment.
FCC
JUEZ APRUEBA QUE AT&T COMPRE TIME WARNER Y LE PIDE AL GOBIERNO DE TRUMP QUE
NO APELE
14-JUN/2018
Un juez federal falló el
martes que AT&T puede avanzar con su adquisición de Time Warner por 85.000
millones de dólares.
El juez Richard
Leon del Tribunal de Distrito de EE.UU. para el Distrito de
Columbia dijo en una audiencia que descubrió, luego de un juicio
de seis semanas, que el acuerdo no viola la ley antimonopolio y
puede continuar.
Leon desalentó al gobierno de pedirle que pusiera su propio
fallo en espera de apelación, y dijo que si se le pregunta
negaría una suspensión. "Espero que el gobierno tenga la
sabiduría y el coraje" para no buscar una apelación, dijo.
El Departamento de Justicia, que presentó una demanda para
bloquear la compra, tiene la opción de apelar la decisión. De
acuerdo con una orden de programación, AT&T acordó no completar
la adquisición durante seis días para dar tiempo a una
apelación.
Makan Delrahim, el principal funcionario antimonopolio del
Departamento de Justicia, dijo que el gobierno estaba
decepcionado con el fallo y que "consideraría los próximos
pasos".
"Seguimos creyendo que el mercado de televisión de pago será
menos competitivo y menos innovador como resultado de la fusión
propuesta entre AT&T y Time Warner", dijo en un comunicado.
El fallo del juez probablemente será visto por los gigantes
tecnológicos y de telecomunicaciones como una luz verde para
perseguir una serie de importantes adquisiciones de medios.
CNN es propiedad de Time Warner.
Fuente: CNN
ESTADOS UNIDOS. INCAUTARON EQUIPAMIENTO DE RADIO ILEGAL EN MANHATTAN
19-ABR/2018
Taking action against a
pirate radio operator, Federal Communications Commission agents, in
coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of
New York and the U.S. Marshals Service, seized radio transmission equipment
from an unauthorized radio station on April 10, which was operating
illegally in Manhattan.
The FCC’s
Enforcement Bureau has been leading an effort to crack down on
this illegal activity, resulting in unlawful broadcasts going
off the air, seizure of equipment, fines
against pirates, proposed fines against pirates and property
owners actively aiding pirate radio operations, and numerous
other enforcement actions.
“Pirate radio stations are illegal, as they operate without an
FCC license, and cause real harm. These stations can cause
interference to legitimate, licensed broadcasters and can
prevent those broadcasters from delivering critical
public-safety information to listeners,” said Rosemary Harold,
Chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau.
“We are pursuing multiple legal routes to stop pirate
broadcasters and this seizure action in Manhattan is one of
them. We thank our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for
the Southern District of New York and the U.S. Marshals Service,
and we’re particularly thankful for the great work of FCC field
agents in combatting this problem.”
“Rumba FM,” which broadcast on 95.3 FM from a high-rise
apartment building in Manhattan, was operating without an FCC
license, as required by law. The FCC issued multiple warnings to
the illegal operators but the radio station continued to
broadcast.
Pursuant to a federal court order, authorities seized equipment
operated by the illegal radio station at that station’s antenna
location on St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan.
The Communications Act of 1934 prohibits the operation of radio
broadcasting equipment above certain low-intensity thresholds
without a license issued by the FCC. The Act authorizes the
seizure and forfeiture of any electronic or radio frequency
equipment used to broadcast without an FCC license. The number
of available radio frequencies is limited, and unlicensed
broadcasting can interfere with the broadcasting of legitimate
licensed radio stations, potentially causing chaos in the radio
spectrum.
In an action to seize a pirate radio station’s equipment, the
FCC performs the initial investigation. Once the FCC has built a
case against the station, the matter is referred to the relevant
U.S. Attorney’s Office, which is then responsible for filing the
case and obtaining a warrant to seize the illegal radio
equipment from the court. The U.S. Marshals Service is
responsible for executing the warrant and seizing the pirate
radio station equipment, with FCC personnel provide technical
assistance during the seizure.
Fuente: FCC
COLAPSO TORRE DE TV EN SPRINGFIELD: UN MUERTO Y VARIOS HERIDOS
25-ABR/2018
A TV tower in Missouri
collapsed Thursday, killing one person and injuring several others,
authorities say.
The tower near Fordland in Webster County was used to broadcast KOZK Ozarks
Public Television, according to a spokeswoman for Missouri State University,
which owns the tower.
Rob Talburt, assistant chief for the Logan-Rogersville Fire Protection
District, said 50 to 60 emergency workers from multiple agencies responded
to the tower collapse.
Talburt said that just before 10 a.m., six workers were performing routine
maintenance on the 1,980-foot-tall tower when it went down.
The workers were
about 105 feet high at the time of the collapse, Talburt said.
One worker was trapped and killed, Talburt said, and the five
other workers suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
"It's very lucky that we didn't have more fatalities out here,"
Talburt said.
Andrea Mostyn, spokeswoman for Missouri State University, said
the university contracted with a company to perform work on the
tower. She said she was not sure how long the crew had been
working on the tower.
MSU spokeswoman Suzanne Shaw said the workers were installing
structural support to accommodate new equipment associated with
a channel change.
MSU issued a statement, calling the tower's collapse and the
ensuing death a "tragedy."
“We are shocked and saddened by the news,” Shaw said in the
statement. “Our condolences go out to the victims and their
families. We are also providing support and resources to the
other team members affected.”
Webster County Sheriff Roye Cole said the workers were replacing
crossbeams on the tower.
John Myers, a structural engineering professor at Missouri
University of Science and Technology, said it's extremely rare
for any type of structure like a TV tower to collapse without
some type of major event, like a hurricane or tornado.
Fuente: USA Today
CABLEOPERADORES ESTADOUNIDENSES SE OPONEN AL AUMENTO DEL LIMITE DE LICENCIAS
DE TV
22-MAR/2018
The American Cable
Association believes the Federal Communications Commission should not permit
greater TV station consolidation before conferring with its newly created
Office of Economics and Analytics to examine the costs and benefits of such
consolidation, including the extent to which such action would increase
cable bills.
“ACA has
repeatedly observed that broadcast consolidation increases a
broadcaster’s leverage in retransmission consent negotiations,
leading to higher rates paid by pay-TV subscribers and other
harms to the public. Both economic theory and the best empirical
evidence available to the FCC suggest that increasing the
national cap beyond its current level will harm pay-TV
subscribers,” ACA President and CEO Matthew M. Polka said.
ACA set forth its views in a filing Monday in connection with
the FCC’s review of whether to allow a single entity to own
enough TV stations sufficient to reach more than 39% of TV
households nationally. By relaxing the rule, the FCC would allow
TV stations to gain even more bargaining leverage than they
already possess. This would allow them to impose more harmful
signal blackouts on cable operators and demand excessive
increases in retransmission consent fees, which inevitably find
their way into consumers’ monthly bills.
The FCC and the Department of Justice already know that
ownership or effective control of multiple stations within the
same market results in these harms. The best evidence suggests
that similar harms would occur if a single entity can own
stations beyond the existing 39% cap. In particular, two
econometric studies submitted by DISH in connection with the
Sinclair-Tribune merger proceeding confirmed that TV stations
that reach the most pay-TV subscribers command the highest
retransmission consent fees.
ACA urged the FCC to consult with the new Office of Economics
and Analytics and seek an econometric analysis based at least in
part on DISH’s Sinclair-Tribune merger analyses. It argued that
such an analysis is necessary for the FCC to understand the
benefits and harms of relaxing the cap.
Moreover, broadcasters seeking to relax the national cap possess
the data necessary for such an analysis and the FCC should
require them to produce it.
The data necessary to conduct such analyses (meaning
retransmission consent agreements) are held by both broadcasters
and MVPDs. Historically, broadcasters have gone to great lengths
to keep this data secret. Yet the responsibility for providing
this data to the Economics Office should fall upon broadcasters,
in all fairness, subject to appropriate confidentiality
protections.
“If broadcasters seek to change the FCC’s rules to their
benefit, they should provide the data to support their request,”
Polka said.
Fuente: ACA
trump lanza plan para mejorar la banda ancha
14-FEB/2018
Statement of NCTA – The
Internet & Television Association Regarding the White House Legislative
Outline for Rebuilding Infrastructure in America
“As the nation’s leading broadband industry, we applaud the Administration’s
proposal to invest in new infrastructure – including the potential to expand
broadband to unserved homes in rural communities – that can support a
growing economy and provide new opportunities for all Americans. Unlike our
congested roads, crumbling bridges and failing power grid, our nation’s
broadband infrastructure is an American success story which powers an
internet economy that is second to none. American consumers have witnessed
enormous advances in the speed and reach of wired and wireless internet
networks, driven by $1.5 trillion in private investment over the last 20
years. Today, 85 percent of U.S. homes can have access to internet speeds of
300 Mbps or faster, including gigabit offerings in hundreds of urban and
rural communities.
“Despite this remarkable progress, there are still some parts of the country
– most often in less dense, geographically remote areas – where market
forces alone haven’t been able to connect all homes. That is why we welcome
the Administration’s efforts to reduce barriers to investment in rural
America and stand ready to work with Congress and federal agencies on ways
to induce more rural investment and promote greater efficiency and
accountability in government broadband programs. Most importantly, any
funding should be dedicated to connecting those homes without any access to
broadband. It should be a national imperative to connect the unserved so
that all Americans can enjoy the benefits of this technology.
“In NCTA’s Blueprint for
Internet Infrastructure Success, we offer some specific guideposts for how
policymakers can strive for thoughtful and effective broadband policies.”
ACA Applauds White House
Broadband Infrastructure Plan
American Cable Association
President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement regarding
President Donald J. Trump’s infrastructure plan and what it will mean for
accelerating broadband deployment in rural areas of the country:
“ACA applauds President Donald J. Trump for proposing an infrastructure plan
that includes spending $50 billion to enhance infrastructure, including
broadband, in rural areas. Ensuring all Americans have access to
high-performance broadband is important and requires government engagement
at many levels. For instance, the enactment of the recent tax law and the
existing programs run by the FCC help. And, it is essential that government
focus on removing the many barriers that discourage private investment in
broadband.
“But, even with these
efforts, some areas will remain unserved, and the only way to deliver
broadband to them is with the assistance of direct government subsidies. We
are pleased that the President’s plan recognizes this fact and sets aside
money that can be used by the states for this purpose. ACA’s broadband
provider members operate in rural areas throughout the country, and they
look forward to working with the Trump Administration, Congress, and the
states to ensure that all households, regardless of location, have access to
high performance broadband service.”
About the American Cable
Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade
organization representing nearly 750 smaller and medium-sized, independent
cable companies who provide broadband services for nearly 7 million cable
subscribers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across
America. Through active participation in the regulatory and legislative
process in Washington, D.C., ACA members work together to advance the
interests of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and
viability of their business.
CABLEOPERADORES ESTADOUNIDENSES APOYAN EL FIN DE LA NEUTRALIDAD DE LA RED
20-DIC/2017
Statement of Michael
Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association
Regarding the FCC’s Action to Restore Light-Touch Regulation to the Internet
“Today’s FCC action rightly restores the light-touch approach to government
regulation of the internet that has fostered the development of a vibrant,
open and innovative platform. For decades, America’s internet service
providers have delivered an open internet – allowing consumers to enjoy the
lawful internet content and applications of their choosing. Nothing in this
decision alters that commitment – ISPs have stated repeatedly that they do
not and will not block, throttle or unfairly discriminate in how internet
traffic is delivered.
“We cannot reach for the future with regulation from the distant past. Title
II and its accompanying regulatory uncertainty deters the innovation and
investment needed to build the next generation of broadband and bring its
benefits to all Americans. We fully support Chairman Pai and the
Commission’s action today. However, we continue to believe that legislation
which protects the open internet, while preserving incentives for an
ever-improving network is essential. We urge Congress to craft legislation
that settles this decade-long debate and permanently enshrines open internet
protections into law while ushering in a new era of connectivity for
American consumers.”
ACA Hails FCC Vote To Restore Internet Freedom
American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the
following statement regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s
adoption of the Restoring Internet Freedom order:
“Smaller ISPs have always stood by their customers and provided them with
unfettered access to lawful Internet content. Yet, for the past two years
they have been subject to unwarranted and burdensome FCC utility-style
regulations, which have made them reluctant to invest in their broadband
networks and to develop and offer innovative services. Under the regulatory
regime adopted by the previous FCC, no one came out a winner – not smaller
ISPs, not their customers, not upstream edge providers. The order adopted by
the FCC today ends this ‘unvirtuous’ cycle. Customers of smaller ISPs will
not only continue to have an open Internet, but also they will have greatly
enhanced access as ISPs upgrade their networks and roll out new services.
ACA applauds the FCC for restoring a regulatory regime that truly serves the
public interest.”
FCC ANULO LA NEUTRALIDAD DE INTERNET
15-DIC/2017
La Comisión Federal de
Comunicaciones (FCC) aprobó este jueves una nueva norma sobre el servicio de
internet que acaba con la “neutralidad de la red” que garantizaba una norma
de 2015.
La mayoría
republicana en la institución regulador votó este jueves a favor
de la nueva regla que deroga el principio de “neutralidad de la
red”, que salvaguardaba internet como un servicio público de
libre e igual acceso.
¿Qué es ‘net neutrality’?
La Comisión Federal de Comunicaciones (FCC) anunció planes de
desmantelar las regulaciones impuestas por el gobierno de Barack
Obama para asegurar el acceso igualitario a la Internet, lo que
permitirá a compañías cobrar más a los usuarios o bloquear
acceso a ciertas páginas web.
Dirigida por Ajit Pai, la Comisión tomó la decisión por tres
votos a favor y dos en contra -los demócratas- de poner fin a la
regulación que impulsó en 2014 el entonces presidente, Barack
Obama, y que luego se aprobó en 2015.
En la práctica, la norma de 2015 impedía que las proveedoras de
internet pudieran bloquear o ralentizar el tráfico en los
portales que decidieran.
Este principio, que buscaba garantizar el libre acceso en
igualdad de condiciones al servicio de la red, fue hoy eliminado
entre múltiples protestas por parte de demócratas, asociaciones
de consumidores y algunas voces entre las filas republicanas.
En el momento en el que la regulación comience a aplicarse, las
compañías proveedoras de internet podrán decidir qué portales
bloquear o ralentizar, incluidos los de medios de comunicación o
difusión de vídeo, y solo estarán supeditadas a hacerlo público.
Los comisionados republicanos, incluido Pai, argumentaron que la
decisión supone acabar con una regla que trataba con “mano dura”
a la industria de proveedores de internet ante “hipotéticos
daños”.
Por su parte, las dos comisionadas demócratas expusieron las
consecuencias negativas que podría tener la supresión de la
“neutralidad en la red” en consumidores y pequeñas empresas
proveedoras de contenido.
Las responsables de la oposición incidieron en la necesidad de
retrasar el voto hasta que se investigue el masivo registro de
comentarios a la propuesta de la Comisión, 22 millones en total,
de los que al menos dos millones habrían sido realizados desde
perfiles falsos, según denunció el fiscal general de Nueva York,
Eric Schneiderman.
El voto tuvo que ser suspendido durante unos minutos por
“motivos de seguridad” y, paralelamente, se registraron
manifestaciones contra la decisión en el exterior de la sede del
regulador en Washington.
Fuente: El Nuevo
Herald
FCC MODERNIZA LAS REGLAS DE PROPIEDAD CRUZADA
24-NOV/2017
The Federal Communications
Commission today (16) voted to modernize its broadcast ownership rules and
to help promote ownership diversity in the broadcast industry.
These actions will provide broadcasters and local newspapers with a greater
opportunity to compete in the digital age and will help ensure a diversity
of viewpoints in local markets.
Congress requires
the Commission to review its broadcast ownership rules every
four years to determine if they are in the public interest as
the result of competition and if not, to repeal or modify them.
For too long, the Commission has failed to acknowledge the pace
of change in the media marketplace by maintaining analog
broadcast ownership rules that do not reflect today’s digital
age.
For instance, the Newspaper/Broadcast Cross-Ownership Rule that
the Commission eliminates today dates back to 1975.
By modernizing these outdated rules, broadcast stations and
local newspapers will be able to more easily invest in local
news and content and improve service to their local communities
for the benefit of consumers.
Today’s Order on Reconsideration addresses several petitions for
reconsideration of the Commission’s August 2016 Order in the
2010/2014 Quadrennial Regulatory Review that left the outdated
broadcast ownership rules largely unchanged. Specifically, today
the Commission
eliminates the Newspaper/Broadcast Cross-Ownership Rule,
Radio/Television Cross-Ownership Rule, and Television Joint
Sales Agreement Attribution Rule.
The Order also modifies the Local Television Ownership Rule to
better reflect competitive conditions in local markets by
eliminating the Eight-Voices Test, which requires at least eight
independently owned television stations to remain in a market
before any entity may own two television stations in that
market. The Order also permits exceptions to the prohibition on
an entity owning two of the top four stations in a market if it
can be shown that a particular transaction would be in the
public interest. The Order does not address the issue of the
national ownership cap and the associated UHF discount which are
not part of the Quadrennial Review, and which will be considered
in a separate proceeding later this year.
Lastly, in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission
decides to establish, and seeks comment on how to implement and
structure, a new incubator program in which established
broadcasters would help facilitate entry by new voices into the
marketplace by providing access to capital and/or technical
expertise to new entrants and small businesses. The program has
broad support and will help promote ownership diversity in the
broadcast industry.
Fuente: FCC
LA ADMINISTRACION TRUMP
BLOQUEO LA FUSION AT&T-TIME WARNER
23-NOV/2017
La operación anunciada hace
un año por AT&T para adquirir el conglomerado de medios
Time Warner está en peligro. El Departamento de Justicia
cumple su amenaza y procede a bloquear la transacción,
valorada en 85.000 millones de dólares (108.000 millones
incluyendo la deuda), al considerar que la integración
de estos dos gigantes vulnera la competencia al
concentrar el poder. Ahora se inicia un duro litigio en
los tribunales que puede durar varios meses.
AT&T y Time Warner decidieron sumar fuerzas para
integrar en una misma compañía la creación de contenido
audiovisual y su distribución. Buscaban así adaptarse a
las nuevas formas de consumir series y películas, en
respuesta a la emergencia de nuevas plataformas como
Netflix y Amazon. Además, la unión les hace un actor más
fuerte en el mercado de la publicidad, que está
orbitando hacia Google y Facebook.
El acuerdo se anunció unas semanas antes de que Donald
Trump ganara las elecciones. El lenguaje que utiliza
ahora la dirección de AT&T en respuesta a la demanda es
muy duro. Califica la decisión de “radical” e
"inexplicable”, al considerar que el Departamento de
Justicia se distancia de la práctica seguida por los
reguladores a la hora de examinar las integraciones
verticales de empresas.
AT&T esperaba, de hecho, haber recibido la autorización
sin mayores problemas, como hizo Comcast con la compra
de NBC Universal. Pero el presidente Trump amenazó
durante la campaña electoral con vetar la operación si
llegaba a la Casa Blanca. Time Warner controla la cadena
todo noticias CNN, de las más críticas con su política,
la HBO y TNT. AT&T, por su parte, es dueña del operador
de televisión vía satélite DirectTV.
“Estamos listos para litigarla”, advirtió Randall
Stephenson, consejero delegado de AT&T. La acción
plantea riesgos legales, pero también políticos. Varios
legisladores demócratas mostraron durante los últimos
días su preocupación por la eventual acción de Justicia.
Los críticos con la operación ya advirtieron, en
cualquier caso, que si era aprobada, podía usar su poder
para elevar precios.
Litigio en los tribunales
Las compañías argumentan para defender la fusión que no
son competidores. El Departamento de Justicia justifica
el bloqueo diciendo que la combinación de ambas mermará
la innovación y la competencia, lo que afectará al
consumidor. También a los creadores, que deberán pagar
más dinero para distribuir su contenido. Por eso
considera "ilegal" esta concentración de poder.
“Afortunadamente, del Departamento de Justifica no tiene
la última palabra”, afirma David McAtee, consejero legal
de AT&T, “estamos convencidos de se rechazarán los
argumentos del gobierno y la fusión seguirá adelante”.
Los expertos en este tipo de operaciones anticipan
varios meses de enfrentamiento. Pero si la batalla legal
se prolonga, las partes podrían optar por abandonarla.
El bloqueo, en realidad, no es una sorpresa. AT&T se
había puesto de plazo completar la fusión para marzo del
próximo año. Ahora se dispone a defender los méritos de
la integración ante los tribunales. La solución del
litigio será determinante para el resto de la industria.
Disney, Comcast y Verizon se están interesando por los
activos de entretenimiento de Twenty-First Century Fox.
Stephenson dejó claro en su contraofensiva que no va a
llegar a un "acuerdo cualquiera" con el gobierno para
salvar la operación. Los acuerdos que eventualmente
pueda pactar para remediar el litigio, reiteró, serán
dentro del marco de las reglas de la competencia y
teniendo en cuenta como se está trasformando la
industria de medio. La opción de vender la CNN, insiste,
no está sobre la mesa.
Fuente: El País
ESTADOS UNIDOS aprobo
el standard next gen tv - atsc 3.0
17-NOV/2017
The Federal Communications
Commission today (16) adopted new rules to let
television broadcasters use the Next Generation
broadcast television transmission standard, also called
ATSC 3.0, on a voluntary, market-driven basis.
The Next Generation TV
standard will let broadcasters provide consumers with
more vivid pictures and sound, including Ultra High
Definition television and superior reception, mobile
viewing capabilities, advanced emergency alerts, better
accessibility features, localized content, and
interactive educational children’s content.
Today’s action adopts rules that will allow broadcasters
the flexibility to deploy Next Generation TV service
while minimizing the impact on consumers and industry
stakeholders. The upgraded technology will merge the
capabilities of over-the-air broadcasting with the
broadband viewing and information delivery methods of
the Internet using the same 6 MHz channels presently
allocated for digital television (DTV).
Among other things, the Report & Order:
- Requires broadcasters that use Next Generation TV to
partner with another local station in their market to
simulcast their programming in the current DTV standard,
called ATSC 1.0, so that viewers can continue to receive
their existing broadcast service without having to
purchase new equipment;
- Subjects Next Gen TV signals to the public interest
obligations that currently apply to television
broadcasters; and
- Requires broadcasters to provide advance on-air
notifications to educate consumers about Next Generation
TV service deployment and simulcasting.
Today’s ruling comes after several field tests of the
technology were conducted in the Cleveland media market.
Last year, the Next Generation TV transmission standard
was tested during Major League Baseball’s 2016 World
Series.
Fuente: FCC
ESTADOS UNIDOS: YA NO ES NECESARIO QUE LAS ESTACIONES TENGAN ESTUDIOS EN SUS
AREAS DE SERVICIO
03-NOV/2017
The Federal Communications
Commission today (october, 24) eliminated the broadcast main studio rule.
The Order retains the requirement that stations maintain a local or
toll-free telephone number to ensure consumers have ready access to their
local stations.
The main studio rule, adopted nearly 80 years ago, currently requires each
AM radio, FM radio, and television broadcast station to have a main studio
located in or near its local community.
The rule was implemented to facilitate input from community members and the
station’s participation in community activities.
The Commission recognizes that today the public can access information via
broadcasters’ online public file, and stations and community members can
interact directly through alterative means such as e-mail, social media, and
the telephone.
Given this, the Commission found that requiring broadcasters to maintain a
main studio is outdated and unnecessarily burdensome.
Elimination of the main studio rule should produce substantial cost-saving
benefits for broadcasters that can be directed toward such things as
programming, equipment upgrades, newsgathering, and other services that
benefit consumers.
It will also make it easier for broadcasters to prevent stations in small
towns from going dark and to launch new stations in rural areas.
Fuente: FCC
NAB
In response to the FCC's
elimination of the main studio rule, the following statement can be
attributed to NAB Executive Vice Presidentof Communications Dennis Wharton:
“NAB supports elimination of the main studio rule, which has outlived its
usefulness in an era of mobile news gathering and multiple content delivery
platforms. We're confident that cost savings realized from ending the main
studio rule will be reinvested by broadcasters in better programming and
modernized equipment to better serve our local communities. We applaud the
FCC for continuing to remove unnecessary and outdated broadcast
regulations.”
fcc aplico la multa mas alta a los propietarios de una radio pirata en
florida
09-OCT/2017
The Federal Communications
Commission today (September 26, 2017) proposed the
maximum fine allowable by statute—$144,344—against a
so-called “pirate radio” operation in North Miami,
Florida. The action marks the first time the Commission
has proposed finding the property owners where the
transmission equipment was located apparently liable for
the operation of the station. Unlicensed radio
broadcasts are illegal and can interfere with licensed
broadcasting, including broadcasters’ ability to
communicate public safety warnings to their communities.
The Commission’s
investigation of this matter first began in 2012 when
the Enforcement Bureau’s Miami Field Office received a
complaint about a potential unauthorized station
broadcasting on 90.1 MHz in the North Miami area. After
finding that the station was not authorized, Commission
agents repeatedly warned both Fabrice Polynice, a
programming provider, and Harold and Veronise Sido, who
own the property where the station’s transmission
equipment is located, that the unauthorized transmission
of a radio broadcast is illegal. These earlier actions
resulted in a seizure, pursuant to a Federal court
order, of transmission equipment from the Sido residence
in 2012 and a Forfeiture Order against Mr. Polynice in
2013.
Despite knowing that these actions were illegal, Mr.
Polynice apparently continued to operate the pirate
station from the Sido residence.
In fact, the parties even posted video of themselves in
their pirate studio to social media. Commission field
agents found on a least seven different occasions that
the illegal station was still being operated from the
Sido residence by Mr. Polynice. The Bureau’s
investigation found that while Mr. Polynice apparently
provided programming for the station, the Sidos
apparently provided material support in the form of free
use of their property, including the shed from which Mr.
Polynice broadcast, as well as electricity and internet
connectivity necessary for operation of the transmitter
and antenna.
As a result of this investigation, the Commission today
issues a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture
(NAL) against Mr. Polynice and Mr. and Mrs. Sido. The
NAL finds that the actions of all three individuals were
continuous and deliberate. Accordingly, the NAL proposes
to fine all three individuals jointly and severally for
a total of $144,344.
Federal law generally prohibits the operation of a
broadcast radio station without a license issued
by the Commission. Congress enacted this requirement as
a means of ensuring a fair and equitable distribution by
the FCC of scarce spectrum resources to maximize its
availability and use among entities, such as TV and
radio broadcasters, public safety agencies, and wireless
phone and data networks.
The Miami area, along with Boston and New York, have
generally proven to
have the greatest concentration of pirate radio
activities, as shown by this FCC map:
https://go.usa.gov/xRMhe.
Mr. Polynice and Mr. and Mrs. Sido will have 30 days to
respond.
The Commission will then review the response and any
additional evidence, and may then proceed to issue a
final forfeiture order.
If finalized, the Commission expects prompt payment of a
fine. If such a payment is not
received within 30 days, the matter is referred to the
Justice Department for collection.
The Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture is
available at:
https://go.usa.gov/xRh3p
Fuente: FCC
RADIO DE ALASKA fue MULTADA CON 66 MIL DOLARES
POR INCUMPLIR VARIAS NORMAS DE LA FCC
24-JUL/2017
The Federal Communications
Commission today issued a proposed $66,000 fine against
FM radio station licensee Kenai Educational Media in
Seward, Alaska for numerous apparent violations of FCC
rules, including actions that undermine the
effectiveness of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
Broadcasters have very important obligations related to
EAS, a critical system for ensuring the public can
receive accurate and expedient alerts and warnings
during times of local and national emergencies.
Kenai Educational Media, which operates KIBH-FM, was
notified on multiple occasions by the FCC that it had
programmed its EAS equipment messages for a radio
station serving a different geographic area than that
served by Kenai, was failing to monitor at least two EAS
sources, and did not keep EAS operation information
available to staff as required. Broadcasters that are
licensed by the FCC have important obligations to their
communities to be prepared to participate in the EAS
system as needed. Although most licensees take this
responsibility seriously and serve their communities as
key outlets for emergency warnings and alerts, a
broadcaster’s failure to meet these FCC requirements is
a serious offense which can pose real dangers for their
communities.
In addition to its apparent EAS violations, the
broadcaster also apparently violated a number of
broadcast station rules, such as maintaining required
records. Lastly, the broadcaster also failed to respond
to several Commission inquiries.
An agent from the Commission’s Anchorage field office
discovered the violations and issued a notice to the
Licensee.
Following numerous such notices and no response from the
Licensee, the agency is moving forward with issuing
today’s proposed fine.
The proposed fine is formally known as a Notice of
Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, and the broadcaster
will have 30 days to respond. The Commission will then
review the response and any additional evidence, and may
then proceed to issue a final forfeiture.
Fuente: FCC
RADIODIFUSORES DE ESTADOS UNIDOS RECAUDARON MAS
DE 10 MIL MILLONES DE DOLARES EN LA SUBASTA DEL ESPECTRO
20-ABR/2017
Today (13), the Federal
Communications Commission announced the closing of the
broadcast incentive auction, which created a
first-of-its kind market for repurposing valuable
broadcast airwaves for nationwide wireless mobile use.
At $19.8 billion in gross revenue for 70MHz of spectrum,
the incentive auction is among the highest grossing
auctions ever conducted by the FCC. The Commission now
commences a 39-month transition period to move broadcast
stations to new channel assignments.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said,
“The conclusion of the world’s first incentive auction
is a major milestone in the FCC’s long history as
steward of the nation’s airwaves. Consumers are the real
beneficiaries, as broadcasters invest new resources in
programming and service, and additional wireless
spectrum opens the way to greater competition and
innovation in the mobile broadband marketplace.”
Why an Incentive Auction?
Today, there are more connected mobile devices than
there are people living in the U.S., and about 70
percent of Americans use data-hungry smartphones. This
increasing demand for wireless airwaves poses a major
challenge to ensuring that America’s networks have the
capacity to support the critical economic, public
safety, health care and other activities that rely on
them. In order to meet this challenge, the FCC designed
the broadcast incentive auction through close bipartisan
collaboration with Congress as well as the broadcast and
wireless industries.
Authorized by Congress in 2012, the auction used market
forces to align the use of broadcast spectrum with 21st
century consumer demands for mobile video and broadband
services. It preserves a robust broadcast TV industry
while providing stations with revenues that they can
invest into programming and services for their
communities. And by making valuable “low-band” airwaves
available for wireless mobile use, the incentive auction
benefits consumers by easing congestion on wireless
networks, laying the groundwork for “fifth generation”
(5G) wireless services and applications, and spurring
economic growth. The auction began on March 29, 2016.
Broadcasters: More than $10 Billion in winning bids,
minimal impact on viewers
More than $10 billion will go to 175 winning
broadcasters that elected to participate in the
incentive auction and repurpose their airwaves for
mobile use. Of the winners, 30 stations will receive
money for agreeing to move to a lower channel and 133
others will relinquish their licenses and indicated
their intent to remain on air through channel-sharing
agreements with non-winning stations.
The FCC also announced the new channel assignments, and
effective dates of those assignments, for 957
non-winning stations that must change channels to clear
the new wireless airwaves for use. The first group of
stations to move channels is scheduled for November 30,
2018. Stations are required to provide 30 days’ notice,
and the FCC provides information for over-the-air
viewers on how to “rescan” their receivers to find new
channels at www.fcc.gov/incentiveauctions/consumers.
To view the entire list of broadcasters who won at
auction nationwide, read the Public Notice here:
https://www.fcc.gov/document/incentive-auction-closing-and-channel-reassignment-public-notice
(Appendix A).
Wireless Carriers: Bid $19.8 billion for 70 MHz of
spectrum for mobile use
In the forward auction, wireless carriers bid $19.8
billion on mobile broadband spectrum. A total of 50
winning bidders won 70 MHz of licensed spectrum
nationwide. A total of 14 MHz of spectrum is available
for unlicensed use and wireless microphones. On a
nationwide basis, 70 MHz is the most mobile broadband
ever auctioned below 1GHz by the FCC. Among the largest
winners are T-Mobile, Dish, Comcast, and US Cellular. A
full list of winners can be found in Appendix B of the
Public Notice:
https://www.fcc.gov/document/incentive-auction-closing-and-channel-reassignment-public-notice.
How the Incentive Auction Worked: First of its kind
worldwide
The auction created a first-of-its-kind market for
repurposing commercially-held spectrum licenses for new
uses. The model is part of the foundation of the future
of U.S. spectrum allocation and use policy designed for
21st century realities. The broadcast incentive auction
itself was comprised of two separate but interdependent
auctions -- a reverse auction, which determined the
price at which broadcasters voluntarily relinquish their
spectrum usage rights; and a forward auction, which
determined the price wireless carriers were willing to
pay for flexible use wireless licenses.
The lynchpin joining the reverse and the forward
auctions is the “repacking” process. Repacking involves
reorganizing and assigning channels to the remaining
broadcast television stations in order to create
contiguous blocks of cleared spectrum suitable for
flexible use.
Fuente: FCC
fcc amplia la posibilidad de compartir canal
entre estaciones de tv de distintas categorias
05-ABR/2017
La Comisión Federal de
Comunicaciones de Estados Unidos (FCC por su sigla en
inglés) resolvió el 23 de marzo flexibilizar la política
de compartir un mismo canal entre varias estaciones de
TV que renuncien al espectro, a través de la
multiplexación que permite el estándar digital.
Ahora incluyó en la medida a
estaciones de baja potencia (LPTV) y repetidoras o
retransmisoras, quienes podrán compartir el canal con
estaciones de alta potencia y de Clase A. Todo ello con
el objetivo de liberar parte del espectro radioeléctrico
que será destinado a la telefonía móvil.
Esta política fue establecida por el Congreso
norteamericano en el año 2012 para que estaciones de
alta potencia (full power) y de Clase A compartan el
mismo canal a cambio de recibir ingresos por la subasta
del espectro destinado a a telefonía inalambrica.
En 2015 la FCC incluyó esta posibilidad a estaciones de
televisión de baja potencia (LPTV) y repetidoras o
retransmisoras.
Pero como ya fue dicho, ahora todas las estaciones LPTV
y repetidoras o retransmisoras de TV pueden también
compartir un canal con una emisora de alta potencia y de
Clase A. Con esta medida la FCC otorga a este tipo de
emisoras la posibilidad de seguir emitiendo y también
busca reducir los costos de operación de estaciones LPTV
y repetidoras o retransmisoras.
estados unidos cambia reglas para revitalizar
la am
01-MAR/2017
La Comisión Federal de
Comunicaciones amplió el área donde los transmisores en FM pueden
retransmitir la programación de estaciones en AM.
Las emisoras de
radio AM que quieran mejorar su área de servicio con una señal
más clara pueden hacerlo usando la banda de FM. Según informa la
FCC en su página web, esto es últil para muchas estaciones de AM
obligadas a reducir su potencia en la noche, ya que el
retransmisor de FM puede operar a la misma potencia las 24 horas
del día.
Con la anterior regla una estación AM podría retransmitir en FM
dentro de su contorno de servicio diurno o dentro de un radio de
25 millas de su transmisor, la distancia que sea menor.
La nueva regla permite que el retransmisor en FM se ubique en
cualquier lugar dentro del área de servicio diurno de la
estación de AM o en cualquier lugar dentro de un radio de 25
millas del transmisor, incluso si el contorno se extiende más
lejos de las 25 millas de la planta transmisora.
La anterior regla resultó demasiado restrictiva para algunos
radiodifusores AM, especialmente aquellos cuyos transmisores
estaban lejos de las comunidades a servir.
La FCC autorizó por primera vez a las estaciones AM a
retransmitir en FM en 2009. En 2016 se permitió a más de 1.000
estaciones AM adquirir y reubicar retransmisores en FM.
comcast abandona la fusion con time warner
27-ABR/2015
Comcast concluye que la
compra de su rival Time Warner Cable no va a ser posible, por los problemas
que plantea la fusión desde el punto de la competencia. “Pensábamos que
teníamos buenos argumentos para que saliera adelante, pero hemos visto que
no va a suceder”, anunció el consejero delegado del mayor operador de cable
de Estados Unidos, Brian Roberts.
Se abandona así una operación que estaba valorada en 45.200 millones de
dólares y que podría invitar ahora a la dueña del grupo de medios NBC
Universal a buscar nuevas oportunidades de inversión, incluso fuera de EE
UU. La retirada en banda de Comcast afecta también a Charter Communications,
que iba a hacerse con los activos que soltaran en el proceso de integración.
El Departamento de Justicia y el regulador del sector de las comunicaciones
en EE UU no llegaron a bloquear oficialmente la operación, pero en las
últimas semanas sus abogados plantearon serios problemas que acabaron por
matarla. “El abandono de la fusión es el mejor desenlace para el
consumidor”, señalan los responsables de las dos agencias en un comunicado.
Comcast hizo su oferta en febrero del año pasado, tras ocho meses de puja de
Charter por Time Warner Cable. La compañía combinada iba a tener 33 millones
de abonados. El operador de cable neoyorquino necesitaba esta unión para
poder hacer frente a la competencia de nuevos rivales en la distribución de
contenido audiovisual, como Netflix, Facebook o Google.
Roberts evitó especular sobre la lógica seguida por la Administración de
Barack Obama para oponerse a la operación. "Tenemos que mirar hacia delante,
no hacia atrás", señaló. Es conocido, sin embargo, que Washington se opone a
operaciones de gran tamaño. El abandono, además, se produce después de que
se presentaran las nuevas reglas sobre el acceso a Internet.
Riesgo inaceptable
Tom Wheeler, presidente del
regulador de las comunicaciones, confirmó que estaba dispuesto a bloquear la
operación porque representaba un "riesgo inaceptable" para la competencia y
la innovación. Se refería a las dificultades que este gigante podría haber
creado al modelo de negocio de los nuevos proveedores de contenido
audiovisual.
El bloqueo podría llevar a Charter Communications a mover ficha de nuevo. Si
lograra fusionarse con Time Warner Cable, se convertiría en el segundo
operador de cable de EE UU por detrás de Comcast. La otra opción es que la
sociedad que perteneció al conglomerado Time Warner hasta 2009 intentará
sumar fuerzas con compañías más pequeñas para ser independiente.
Hay otra operación en curso que se sigue muy de cerca en Wall Street. El
operador de telefonía AT&T anunció hace un año la compra de la plataforma de
televisión digital vía satélite DirectTV para plantar cara precisamente a
Comcast. La combinación, sin embargo, debería plantear menos problemas a los
reguladores porque su estructura es diferente y AT&T es muy pequeña en el
cable.
Charter Communications
acordó ayer comprar a su mayor rival, Time Warner Cable, por 78.7 mil
millones de dólares, en un acuerdo que podría transformar a la empresa en
uno de los operadores de cable y de banda ancha más grandes de Estados
Unidos.
Charter entregará un total de 55 mil millones de dólares en efectivo y en
forma de acciones a los inversionistas de Time Warner Cable. Tomando en
cuenta la deuda asumida, la operación asciende a 78 mil 700 millones de
dólares.
El anuncio representa la más reciente de una serie de adquisiciones en medio
de un proceso de consolidación del sector para competir en un mercado
acechado por el video en streaming.
La oferta también marca la culminación de Charter y su principal
patrocinador, el multimillonario magnate de los medios –de 74 años de edad–
John C. Malone, que llevó a la empresa de ser un pequeño operador de TV por
cable, nacido en St. Louis en 1993, al segundo del país detrás de Comcast.
Si la operación es aprobada por los organismos antimonopolio de Estados
Unidos, la compañía combinada se llamará New Charter y sus servicios se
venderán bajo la marca Spectrum.
Charter también confirmó que continuaría con su plan para adquirir Bright
House Networks, un competidor más pequeño, por 10.4 mil millones de dólares.
Las dos adquisiciones podrían cuadruplicar su base de clientes a cerca de 24
millones, en comparación con Comcast, que tiene 27 millones.
Charter ha buscado por mucho tiempo adquirir Time Warner Cable para ganar
cuota de mercado; sin embargo, el año pasado, el plan pareció haberse
frustrado cuando Comcast ofreció 45 mil millones de dólares.
Pero la propuesta no prosperó después de que los reguladores y la
competencia manifestaron su preocupación de que la unión de ambas firmas
podría hacer subir los precios y dar lugar a posibles obstáculos digitales
para proveedores de video en línea como Netflix.
Regulación
Los analistas dijeron que Charter probablemente enfrentará escrutinio
antimonopolio, aunque consideraron poco probable que enfrente el mismo nivel
de resistencia que Comcast.
Los dos proveedores de cable ofrecen servicios de cable y banda ancha
similares en varios estados, incluyendo California, Texas y Virginia.
Para ayudar a financiar el acuerdo, Charter dijo que vendería 5 mil millones
de dólares en acciones Liberty Broadband, que es parte del conglomerado de
telecomunicaciones propiedad de Malone.
Como parte del acuerdo, Time Warner Cable recibirá una cuota de ruptura de
hasta dos millones de dólares si la transacción se deshace, en contraste con
lo ocurrido con Comcast, que no le pagó nada cuando retiró su oferta pública
de adquisición el mes pasado.
La competencia en el sector se ha intensificado desde que AT&T acordó
comprar al operador de televisión por satélite DirecTV el año pasado por
48.5 mil millones de dólares.
Este mes, el gigante de las telecomunicaciones europeo Altice compró una
participación de control en Suddenlink, un proveedor de cable regional, y
también mantuvo conversaciones en fase inicial con Time Warner Cable más
para una adquisición potencial.
New Charter, la potencial empresa, probablemente tendría que invertir
fuertemente para mantener el ritmo de Comcast, que está desarrollando su
llamado servicio XI que permite a clientes grabar programas y transmitir
contenido a sus dispositivos.
Un hombre armado ha matado
este miércoles a tiros a una periodista y un cámara de una emisora afiliada
a la cadena de televisión CBS - la cadena WDBJ7-, mientras informaban en
directo. El suceso se produjo alrededor de las 06.45 hora local (10.45 GMT),
cuando los reporteros fallecidos hacían una entrevista en directo en la
plaza Bridgewater de la población rural de Moneta (Virginia).
Horas después del crimen, y tras subir las imágenes del ataque a sus redes
sociales, el sospechoso fue detenido. Las autoridades encontraron al
presentador de televisión Vester Lee Flanagan, de 41 años, -conocido en el
mundo periodístico como Bryce Williams- en el interior de su coche, que se
encontraba estacionado en un lateral de la carretera en la autopista I-66 a
su paso por el condado de Faquier.
El sospechoso presentaba una herida grave de bala que se había producido
tras dispararse a sí mismo. Flanagan, conocido como Bryce Williams en los
medios, murió a las 13:30 hora local (17:30 GMT) en la clínica a la que fue
trasladado por las autoridades.
"Es obvio que este hombre estaba perturbado de alguna manera", ha explicado
el sheriff del condado, Bill Overton, en rueda de prensa. "Parece que las
cosas estaban fuera de control pero aún tenemos una larga investigación que
conducir", ha concluido Overton.
Las víctimas eran la periodista Alison Parker (24 años), natural de
Virginia, y el cámara Adam Ward (27 años), que trabajaba para esa emisora
desde 2011. Éste era el último día de Parker en la cadena y sus compañeros
tenían planeada una fiesta para despedirla.
El tiroteo, divulgado por internet y repetido por las cadenas de televisión
de EEUU, se produjo en la zona comercial de Bridwater, en la población rural
de Moneta, que fue acordonada por agentes de la Policía de los condados
vecinos.
En las imágenes se ve como Parker entrevista a Vicky Gardner, directora
ejecutiva de la Cámara Regional de Comercio de Smith Mountain Lake, y,
entonces, se escuchan unos disparos, la cámara cae al suelo y sigue la
grabación mientras se escuchan gritos, hasta que se interrumpe y la imagen
pasa al estudio, donde los informadores no reaccionan en un primer momento.
Gardner también resultó herida durante el tiroteo y fue trasladada al
hospital para ser tratada de sus heridas.
Parker, natural de Virginia, tenía 24 años y Ward, que trabajaba para esa
emisora desde 2011, tenía 27. Éste era el último día de Parker en la cadena
y sus compañeros tenían planeada una fiesta para despedirla.
El lugar del tiroteo, en el suroeste de Virginia y unos 350 kilómetros al
sur de Washington, no es una zona con un índice criminal particularmente
alto y está a unos 40 kilómetros de la población de Roanoke, donde tiene su
sede la WDBJ-TV.
El sospechoso acusó a una cadena de Florida de discriminación por ser negro.
Un productor llamó "mono" a Flanagan, según alegó él cuando no le renovaron
el contrato, según recoge un artículo de 'Tallahassee Democrat'.
El asesino se confiesa con ABC News
Flanigan envió un extenso documento a la cadena de televisión ABC News antes
de cometer el ataque. La cadena ha precisado que se trata de un "extenso
documento" de 23 páginas. Según ha informado la cadena de televisión en su
página web, "en algún momento entre la noche del martes y esta mañana, ABC
News recibió un fax de alguien que decía ser Bryce Williams", el nombre
profesional utilizado por Flanigan mientras trabajó en WDBJ7.
Tras cometer el asesinato, en tono a las 10.00 (hora local) el presunto
asesinó llamó a la cadena para confesar su crimen. "Mientras estaba al
teléfono, dijo que las autoridades 'están detrás de mí' y 'están por todas
partes'. Colgó", explica la ABC News en su página web. En el documento,
Flanigan explicaba que el crimen estaba motivado por el asesinato racista de
la iglesia de Charleston.
El Gobierno de Estados Unidos insistió en la urgencia de que el Congreso
actúe con "sentido común" para reducir la violencia armada en el país, tras
crimen de este miércoles.
"Hay algunas cosas de sentido común que solo el Congreso puede hacer y que
sabemos que tendrían un efecto tangible en la reducción de la violencia
armada en el país", dijo el portavoz de la Casa Blanca, Josh Earnest, en su
rueda de prensa diaria.
Earnest recordó que el presidente de EEUU, Barack Obama, pide desde hace
tiempo al Congreso que tome ese tipo de medidas y "cree que ellos (los
legisladores) deberían hacerlo".
El grupo de
telecomunicaciones Altice ha llegado a un acuerdo definitivo para adquirir
el operador estadounidense Cablevision por 17.700 millones de dólares
(15.639 millones de euros), según informa la empresa en un comunicado.
Altice explica que la compra de Cablevision aumentará su presencia en el
mercado estadounidense tras la adquisición de Suddenlink a principios de
este año y destaca que el negocio conjunto de ambos operadores equivale al
cuatro mayor operador de cable en el país.
Según los términos del acuerdo, la firma luxemburguesa fundada por el
multimillonario Patrick Drahi y matriz de la operadora francesa Numericable
pagará 34,90 dólares en efectivo por cada acción de Cablevision, cantidad
que será financiada tanto con deuda nueva y existente como con efectivo
disponible.
Con 3,1 millones de clientes, Cablevision es el operador líder en la zona
metropolitana de Nueva York, que supone el mercado de cable más atractivo de
Estados Unidosdebido a su densidad de población y a su afluencia.
Altice afirma que el enfoque de Cablevision en los servicios, la innovación
y la inversión supone una sólida base para ampliar su liderazgo y su impulsa
de crecimiento, y cree que la compañía está preparada para prestar a sus
clientes los servicios de nueva generación compitiendo de forma eficaz en el
mercado.
Asimismo, destaca que Cablevision se beneficiará de la experiencia operativa
internacional, el mayor tamaño y el apoyo de inversión que suponen el modelo
de negocio y la estrategia de Altice. Además, añade que Cablevision y
Suddenlink operarán con estructuras operativas independientes.
