FCC.today The Podcast - February 8, 2025

Brendan Carr goes on "Fox and Friends" to discuss the CBS and Audacy investigations. Carrier dinged $4.5M for robocalls impersonating the FCC. FCC warns radio stations about payola.

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On this episode:

Carr takes CBS complaint to public comment
The investigation into the allegation of news distortion against CBS over the “60 Minutes” interview with presidential candidate Kamala Harris has gone to public comment. Chairman Carr went on “Fox and Friends” to discuss it. Commissioner Gomez called it a “fishing expedition”.

Carr: FCC to investigate Audacy over immigration enforcement
KQED reports that the FCC has also sent a letter to KCBS Radio investigating claims that they provided information regarding immigration enforcement activity taking place in San Jose. Carr also spoke about that on “Fox and Friends”. The First Amendment Coalition expressed concerns that the FCC may be weaponized.

FCC101: News Distortion
News Distortion is not a right-wing buzzword. It’s an actual policy at the FCC that has been around for about 50 years. We will talk more about it.

AM Radio in Every Vehicle Act advances in Senate
The law that would require all new cars to be equipped with AM radios at no additional charge has advanced in the Senate’s Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. We hear from Senator Cantwell (D-WA). REC opposes the legislation as currently written due to the “digital loophole”.

Dingers: Telnyx dinged for $4.5M in apparent robocall scheme
In a 3-1 vote, the Commission adopted a NAL against a carrier that allowed a customer to make robocalls which impersonated the FCC. Ironically, some FCC staff and their families received the calls. Commissioner Simington dissented citing a Supreme Court case.

Dingers: KMTP-TV reaches $25K Consent Decree
Minority Television Project reaches the agreement over a late filed renewal application and missing quarter reports in their public file.

FCC warns radio stations against payola
FCC issues an enforcement notice to remind radio stations that conduct “listener appreciation shows” or “charitable concert events” and provides those artists with increased airplay that unless sponsorship identification rules are followed, there may be a finding of a payola violation.

Tentative agenda for February Open Meeting
The FCC will have their next Open Meeting on February 27, 2025. Items in the agenda include modernizing AWS-3 service rules, freeing up mid-band C-band spectrum, offering more choices on how Wireless Emergency Alerts are sent and received, strengthening call blocking rules and combatting loud commercials.