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Chief Operator:
The Role & Rules
by John Baich, SECC Chair
A recurring issue identified during inspections is confusion regarding the role and regulatory requirements of the Station’s Chief Operator. While some Chief Operators are fully compliant with FCC rules, others are unaware of their obligations, with many falling somewhere in between. Ultimately, the Chief Operator serves as the station’s primary point of contact with the FCC and is accountable for technical compliance.
Pursuant to 47 CFR § 73.1870, all broadcast stations—AM, FM, TV, and Class A TV—must designate a Chief Operator in writing. This designation must be posted with the station license at all designated control points, including the main studio, transmitter site, and, where applicable, any hub designated as a control point with the FCC. An alternate or temporary acting Chief Operator must also be designated in writing to cover periods when the primary Chief Operator is unavailable. It is critical that any...
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