FCC Cybersecurity Reminder

August 18, 2026 by John Baich, SECC Chair & CBA ABIP Inspector Sangre de Cristo Broadcast Consulting, LLC We are just about six weeks from the new FCC Cybersecurity requirements.   As expected, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Final Rule in the Federal Register on... Read More.

A Major Victory for Local Television Broadcasters

Today’s 2-1 vote by the Federal Communications Commission to eliminate the outdated 39% national television ownership cap marks one of the most significant broadcast modernization efforts in more than two decades. Replacing the rigid national cap with a case-by-case public interest review recognizes... Read More.

FCC Advances Modernization of the Emergency Alert System

by John Baich, SECC Chair & CBA ABIP Inspector Sangre de Cristo Broadcast Consulting, LLC July 7, 2026 The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a draft Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would modernize the nation's Emergency Alert System (EAS) while strengthening... Read More.

Quarterly Tower Lighting System Inspection

June 1, 2026 by John Baich, SECC Chair & CBA ABIP Inspector Sangre de Cristo Broadcast Consulting, LLC 2026 Q2 ends this month (June), which means stations owning their towers must complete and document their “Quarterly Tower Lighting System Inspection.” Let’s review the basic responsibility of tower owners... Read More.

Translators & Boosters Require IDs

February 24, 2026 by John Baich, SECC Chair & CBA ABIP Inspector Sangre de Cristo Broadcast Consulting, LLC Another common violation I run into in the field are translators that are not running proper ID’s.  It is the misconception of some station operators that the hourly ID... Read More.

Cybersecurity Reminder for Broadcasters-Ransomware

February 10, 2026 by John Baich, SECC Chair & CBA ABIP Inspector Sangre de Cristo Broadcast Consulting, LLC Last week the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau issued Public Notice DA 26-96A1 citing an increase of ransomware attacks is reminding broadcasters to strengthen cybersecurity practices protecting... Read More.

Tower Inspections – Protecting Your Vertical Assets

January 19, 2026 by John Baich, SECC Chair & CBA ABIP Inspector Sangre de Cristo Broadcast Consulting, LLC Tower maintenance and inspections should be at the very top of every broadcaster’s to-do list. Without a functioning tower, you are simply not broadcasting, unless you are licensed and... Read More.

Chief Operator: The Role & Rules

December 16, 2025 by John Baich, SECC Chair & CBA ABIP Inspector Sangre de Cristo Broadcast Consulting, LLC 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,... Read More.

2025 FCC Regulatory Fees Due September 25th

The FCC has released its 2025 Regulatory Fees for radio, television and all other licensees. The payment deadline is September 25, 2025 at 11:59pm (Eastern). The Colorado Broadcasters Association's continued advocacy work with the FCC has resulted in another decrease in broadcaster's regulatory fees this... Read More.