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Table of Contents Introduction
Section I: Administrative and Non-Technical Welcome to the On-Line version of the FM Broadcast Station Self-Inspection Checklist. We hope you find it to be a handy reference to pertinent FCC Rules. To use this to check your station, down-load and print. The Compliance and Information Bureau (CIB) of the FCC is committed to improving licensee compliance with the broadcast regulations. We do this through a combination of educational and enforcement efforts. The enforcement effort usually involves an on-scene station inspection conducted by FCC Personnel. Most on-scene inspections are conducted without prior notification to the station licensee. This checklist has been developed to assist broadcast station management in conducting a self-inspection of their station. It provides an opportunity for the broadcaster to review and correct any deficiencies associated with the operation of a station without an actual on-scene visit by the Commission. While not all broadcast regulations are covered by this checklist, you will be able to assess your compliance with the most frequently violated broadcast regulations. Each question contains a reference to the relevant rule section(s) to facilitate your review. These references pertain to Title 47 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Parts 11, 17 and 73.
Check the "Y" box if the station is in compliance with the item. Check the "P" box if the station is NOT in compliance with the item. Corrective action is pending. Check the "NA" box if the item does not apply to this station. If this response is not provided then this question is applicable to all FM stations. Please note that all of the above responses are not applicable to every question. Only appropriate responses will be provided for each question. You will note that the above responses do not include a "NO" answer. Any question in which a "NO" answer is applicable would be a violative condition requiring corrective action. Stations encountering such situations should take immediate steps to correct the problem. NEED ASSISTANCE or FORMS? If you have any questions about this self inspection checklist or the applicability of any regulation to your operation, you may contact any FCC Field Office. DO NOT MAIL THIS CHECKLIST TO THE FCC FOR OUR REVIEW! Requests for Emergency Alert System (EAS) related documents should be directed to the Commission's EAS Office at (202) 418-1220. Requests for any FCC form or bulletin should be directed to the Commission's forms distribution contractor at (800) 418-3676. SECTION I: ADMINISTRATIVE AND NON-TECHNICAL A. AUTHORIZATIONS: The station license, construction permit, renewal certificate, auxiliary transmitter authorization, special temporary authorization (STA), and/or any other instrument of authorization shall be readily available and easily accessible. If more than one control point is used, then copies of the appropriate authorization(s) shall be posted at each control point or automatic transmission system (ATS) monitoring and alarm point used. Renewal certificates should be associated with the corresponding station authorizaton. [See 73.1230(a), 73.1635, 73.1670, 73.3533, 73.3536, 73.3537 and 73.3539]
STATION LOGS: These include entries pertaining to equipment status, the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and to the recording of tower light outages. STATION RECORDS: These include, but are not limited to chief operator designations and equipment performance measurements. AVAILABILITY: Station logs and records are to be retained for a periaod of two years, unless specified otherwise, and they shall be made available for inspection or duplication at the request of the FCC or its representatives. Required logs and records are to be readily available for inspction. [See 73.1225, 73.1226, 73.1590, 73.1820 and 73.1840]
C. TRANSMITTER DUTY OPERATOR: Each station shall have at least one person holding a commercial radio operator license or permit on duty and in charge of the transmitter during ALL periods of broadcast operation. The operator is to be on duty at the transmitter, a remote control point, an automatic transmission system (ATS) monitor and alarm point, or a position where extension meters are installed. The operator may be employed for other duties or operation of other transmitting stations if such other duties will not interfere with the proper operation of the transmission system. [See 73.1860]
D. OPERATOR INSTRUCTION: The licensee is responsible for ensuring that each transmitter operator is fully instructed and able to perform all required observations and adjustments of the transmitting system. As a minimum each operator must be able to turn off the transmitter and to make the necessary observations and calculations for determining compliance with the station's operating parameters. The operator must also be capable of conducting authentications of EAS activations and associated programming in addition to having the ability to initiate EAS activations. [See 73.1860(c)]
E. CHIEF OPERATORS: Each station must designate a chief operator. The designation is to be in writing with a copy posted with the operator's license. Agreement's with chief operators serving on a contract basis must be in writing with a copy kept in the station files. The chief operator is to review the station logs at least once each week to determine if required entries are being made correctly and to SIGN AND DATE the log upon completion of the review. The chief operator is also responsible for inspection and calibration of the transmission system, monitors, metering and control systems in addition to any equipment performance measurements or other tests as specified in the rules or terms of station authorization. [See 73.1870]
F. STATION IDENTIFICATION: Station identification shall be made at the beginning and ending of each period of operation, and hourly, as close to the hour as feasible, at a natural break in program offerings. The identification shall consist of the station's call letters immediately followed by the community of license. Any reference to additional communities must be made after the community of license. The name of the licensee, or the station frequency, channel number, or both, may be inserted between the call letters and community of license. No other insertion is permissible. Simulcasted AM and FM stations may identify jointly if owned by the same licensee. [See 73.1201]
G. TOLL FREE TELEPHONE: Each station must maintain a local or toll free telephone number within its community of license. Stations operating from studio locations outside of the community of license must make sure residents in the community have access to this number. [See 73.1125]
H. PUBLIC INSPECTION FILE: All stations are to maintain a public inspection file. If the main studio of the station is located within the community of license, then the public file shall be located at the studio. If the station obtained a written authorization to maintain the studio outside the community of license prior to July 16, 1987, then the file may be maintained at the main studio or within the community of license (at licensees discretion). For all other stations, including combined facilities licensed to more than one community, the public file is to be maintained at any publicly accessible place within the community of license. The file shall be available for public inspection at any time during regular business hours. Licensees must make certain that the location of the file is disclosed upon request, including telephone inquiries, and that the entire contents of the file are made available without asking the requesting party for any information or reasons pertaining to such request. If a station is concerned about documents being stolen or destroyed, then copies of required documents may be placed into the file in lieu of the originals. The contents of the file are to be made available within a reasonable time for machine reproduction upon request made in person, provided the requesting party pays the reasonable cost of reproduction. [See 73.3526 for commercial station public file rules and 73.3527 for non-commercial station public file rules]
SECTION II: ANTENNA STRUCTURES A. ANTENNA STRUCTURES: The construction permit, station license, or other instrument of authorizaton provides authority for the station to operate under a specific set of operating parameters. The licensee must thoroughly review the current station authorization and compare the listed specifications to the location, height, etc. that is actually used by this station. [See the terms of the station authorization (TSA)]
B. PAINTING/LIGHTING: The station autorization specifies the painting and lighting requirements for your operation. This is shown as a set of numbers or letters which correspond to paragraphs found on FCC Form 715 or 715A. If no painting or lighting is required, then the authorization will specify "NONE" or "NONE REQUIRED". The licensee must make certain that the number and placement of paint bands and lighting match exactly with that shown on the station authorization. The licensee should also be aware of the requirement to clean or repaint tower structures as often as necessary to maintain good visibility to aircraft. [See Part 17 and TSA]
C. TOWER LIGHT OBSERVATIONS: The lighting on tower structures is to be observed at least once every 24 hours either visually or by observing an automatic indicating device; or alternatively the licensee may provide and maintain an automatic alarm system to constantly monitor the lighting on a structure. All automatic or mechanical control devices, indicators, and alarm systems are required to be inspected at intervals NOT TO EXCEED 3 months. [See 17.47]
D. FAA NOTIFICATIONS: The licensee is to notify the nearest Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Service Station within 30 minutes of the observation of an improper functioning or extinguished top steady buring light or ANY flashing obstruction light regarless of its position on the structure. Such improper functioning beacons include non-lighted beacons as well as those that are lighted, but non-flashing. Notification is to also be made to the FAA once the beacon or steady burning top light is returned to service. Licensees should insure that the telephone number to the nearest FAA Flight Service Center is readily available and known to all personnel who would be responsible for notifying the FAA of such outages. [See 17.48]
E. STATION LOGS: For all station's with authorizations that specify tower lighting, the license is to make entries in the station log concerning ANY observed or otherwise known extinguishment or improper functioning of ANY tower light regardless of its position on the tower. [See 17.49, 73.1213 and 73.1820(a)(1)(i)] This log must contain the following: a. The nature of such extinguishment or improper functioning. b. The date and time the extinguishment or improper operation was observed or otherwise noted. c. The date, time and nature of adjustments, repairs or replacements made. NOTE: If multiple licensees are on the same tower, on licensee may be designated, in writing, as primarily responsible for tower maintenance and tower related entries in the station logs. However, each licensee is responsible for maintaining compliance with their own station authorization and each licensee is to maintain a copy of the station logs containing tower light outages. Additionally, copies of any written agreements must be kept in the station records.
SECTION III: EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM (EAS) On December 9, 1994, the Commission released a report and order which essentially moved the Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) rules of Part 73 to the newly established Emergency Alert System (EAS) rules under Part 11. This new rule part reflects the expansion of EAS into other radio services, including cable, along with establishing the move from the analog technology used in EBS to the digital technology used with EAS. For all broadcast stations, as of July 1, 1995, all two tone decoders must be reset to decode within 3 to 4 secondsl. After July 1, 1995 stations may transmit the shortened two tone attention signal for not less than eight seconds nor more than 25 seconds. As of July 1, 1996, all broadcast stations must have installed and operational EAS equipment capable of sending and receiving the digital EAS protocol. If there are any questions pertaining to the new EAS rules or to the above timetable, then please contact the Commission's EAS office at (202) 418-1220. A. PARTICIPATING vs. NON-PARTICIPATING: The difference between a "Participating" and a "Non-Participating" station occurs during national level emergency activation notification (EAN) alerts. Upon receipt of an EAN the participating station will stay on the air providing necessary information while the non-participating station takes its carrier off the air. ALL stations are to install and maintain EAS equipment and participate in the weekly and monthly tests of the system. Additionally, all stations are required to monitor for state and local EAS activations. Once a state or local level activation has been received, the station management can then decide whether or not to participate further at that level. [See 11.19, 11.54, 11.55 and the EAS plan for your state]
B. HANDBOOK/AUTHENTICATOR LIST: All stations are to maintain an EAS Handbook and current authenticator word list. The authenticator word lists are mailed annually to all broadcast stations on file with the Commission's EAS Office. The handbook and authenticator word list are to be maintained and available at ALL normal duty operator positions. Please contact the EAS office for copies of the handbook and authenticator word list. [See 11.15 and 11.17]
C. EAS DECODER/MONITOR: Until July 1, 1997, all FM stations must install and maintain equipment capable of receiving the shortened 8 second EAS two-tone attention signal. After July 1, 1996 all FM stations must install equipment capable of decoding, either manually or automatically, the digitally encoded EAS protocol while monitoring at least two assigned EAS stations. This equipment must be operational during all hours of broadcast operation. Manually operated equipment must be located so that operators at their normal duty stations can be alerted immediately when EAS messages are received. Only one EAS decoder is required for combined facilities operating from one common location, such as a collocated AM and FM studio. All decoder devices are to be certified by the Commission in accordance with Part 15 of the Commission's rules. [See 11.31, 11.33, 11.34, 11.35 and 11.52]
D. EAS ENCODER/GENERATOR: All FM stations, with the exception of Class D non-commercial stations, are to maintain equipment capable of generating the attention signal to modulate the transmitter so that the signal may be broadcast to other receiving stations. After July 1, 1996, all FM stations, except Class D non-commercial stations, are to have installed and operational equipment capable of transmitting the digitally encoded EAS protocol. The equipment may be installed for either manual or automatic activation of the generator. If manual activations are used, the EAS encoder must be located so that station staff, at normal duty locations, can initiate the EAS code and Attention Signal transmission. Only one generator is required at combined studio facilities. Any encoder device used for generating the EAS Attention Signal must be type accepted. [See 11.34, 11.35 and 11.51]
E. ATTENTION SIGNAL: All stations are to use only EAS encoder devices which comply with the requirements of Section 11.31 for the transmission of the two-tone attention signal. The retransmission of another off-the-air signal, the use of audio recording devices or any method other than the specified EAS encoder device for the transmission of the two-tone attention signal is prohibited until July 1, 1997. [See 11.31 and 11.52]
F. EAS TESTS: All FM stations, except Class D non-commercial stations authorized 10 watts or less, are to conduct transmission tests of the EAS attention signal a minimum of once a week at random days and times. Until July 1, 1996, these weekly tests are to be conducted between the hours of 8:30 a.m. local time and local sunset. Effective July 1, 1996, all weekly tests are to occur at random days and times, which can include any time of the day or night. In addition, tests are to be conducted once a month as coordinated by the Emergency Communications Committee for each state. The EAS weekly test is optional during the week that a monthly test is conducted. The monthly tests conducted in odd numbered months shall occur between 8:30 a.m. local time and local sunset. The monthly tests conducted in even numbered months shall occur between local sunset and 8:30 a.m. local time. [See 11.61]
G. STATION LOGS: All stations are to maintain a station log containing entries pertaining to each test of the Emergency Alert System that is received or initiated by the station. EAS test entries must be made in the station log either manually by responsible broadcast station staff, or by an automatic device. Stations may keep EAS test data in a special EAS log which can be maintained at any convenient location; however, such log must be considered a part of the official station log. It is also to contain entries which adequately describe the reason why any test activation was not received and any corrective action taken. [See 11.35(a), 11.51(l), 11.52(l), 11.61(b) and 73.1820(a)(1)(c)(iii)] Whenever any EAS equipment becomes defective, the station may operate without the defective equipment, pending its repair or replacement, for a period not in excess of 60 days. The station must make appropriate entries into the station log showing the date and time the equipment was removed and restored to service. [See 11.35(b)] If the station cannot restore service to the defective equipment within 60 days due to conditions beyond the control of the licensee, then the station must request an extension of this time from the Engineer-In-Charge of the area in which the station is located. Such request shall include the steps that were taken to repair or replace the defective equipment, the alternative procedures being used while the defective equipment is out of service and an estimation when the defective equipment will be repaired or replaced. [See 11.35(c)]
SECTION IV: TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS A. POWER: All FM stations operating with more than 10 watts are to maintain operating power between 90% and 105% of that authorized. The power is to be maintained as near as practicable to the station's authorized power. [See 73.1560 and TSA] In the event that it becomes technically impossible to operate at authorized power, a station may operate at reduced power for a period of not more than 30 days without specific authority from the FCC. If operation at reduced power will exceed 10 consecutive days, a notification must be sent to the FCC-Mass Media Bureau no later than the 10th day. If normal power is restored prior to the expiration of the 30 day period, the licensee must notify the FCC upon restoration of normal operation.
B. DIRECT vs INDIRECT METHOD: The operating power of FM stations may be determined by either the direct or indirect method. The direct method of powerdetermination for an FM station uses the indications of a calibrated transmission line meter located at the RF output terminals of the transmitter. This meter must be calibrated whenever there is any indication that the calibration is inaccurate or whenever any component of the metering circuit is repaired or replaced. The indirect method is determined by applying the appropriate factor to the input power to the last radio-frequency power amplifier stage of the transmitter, using the following formula: Transmitter output power = Ep x Ip x F, where:
Ep = DC input voltage of final radio stage. The value of the efficiency factor, F, is to be determined and a record of its value is to be maintained and available upon request. [See 73.267] Licensees must make certain that all duty operators know which method of power determination is being used and how to calculate the output power based on that method.
C. FREQUENCY: The departure of the carrier or center frequency of an FM station with a licensed output power of more than 10 watts may not exceed 2000 Hz from that authorized. For stations operating with 10 watts or less the tolerance is 3000 Hz. [See 73.1545]
D. MODULATION: The total modulation may not exceed 100 percent on peaks of frequent reoccurrence with reference to 75 kHz deviation. However, stations using subsidiary communications, also known as subcarriers or SCA's, may increase the peak modulation .5 percent for each 1.0 percent subcarrier injection up to a total of 110 percent (82.5 kHz peak deviation). [See 73.1570]
E. TRANSMITTER METERING & CONTROL: All stations are to maintain sufficient control at all normal duty operator locations to allow the transmitter duty operator to turn off the transmitter. In addition, all stations, except non-commercial stations authorized 10 watts or less, are to maintain sufficient metering to determine compliance with the power limits specified in the station authorization. [See 73.258 and 73.1410]
SECTION V: AUTOMATED and REMOTE CONTROL POINTS A. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SYSTEM (ATS): Prior to commencing use of the ATS, the station chief operator, technical director, or consulting engineer shall certify in writing to the station licensee that the system has been installed, tested, and fully complies with all prescribed technical standards of the Rules applicable to the particular class of station. [See 73.1500(b)]
D. TELEPHONE DIAL-UP CIRCUITS: Station's using telephone dial up
systems for remote control of a transmitting system shall meet all of the
following:
1. The station is to provide dial up circuits that either a) remain
available at all times for the exclusive use of the duty operator; or
b) provide a means for the operator to interrupt or preempt any other
telehone access to the remote control equipment at the transmitter.
Alternatively, the station may employ a method, independent of the dial-up
circuit, which enables the operator to turn off the transmitter.
2. The licensee shall maintain a transmitter duty operator at a fixed location
who provides continuous attendance of the station. Automatic alarms and
warnings of out-of-tolerance conditions that may result in interference are to
be directed to the duty operator first.
3. The remote control system shall provide sufficient control and operating
parameter monitoring capability to maintain compliance with the rules.
[See 73.1410 and the Commission's Public Notice "Clarification of the
Commission's Rules Pertaining to Broadcast Station Transmitter Remote Control
Operation" released September 12, 1988, 3 FCC Rcd 5695 (1988)] Copies of this
document may be obtained by contacting the Commission's contractor for public
records duplication at (202)857-3800.
NOTE: The use of remote control points other than the main studio or
transmitter site is subject to the station meeting all EAS, notification, and
duty operator requirements. Duty operator positions equipped with a telephone
and nothing else are NOT considered remote control points and any
such operation may be considered unattended operation.
AM - Amplitude Modulation
VII. GLOSSARY OF BROADCAST TERMS
Amplitude Modulation (AM) - A type of transmission used in the standard
radio broadcast band at 550-1705 kilohertz.
Antenna Proof - See Proof of Performance Measurements
Authenticator Word Lists - This document is used for authentication purposes in conjunction with the
procedures contained in the EBS checklists. These lists are issued annually by
the FCC and mailed to the last known address of each station.
Bandwidth - The amount of frequency spectrum a radio signal occupies.
EAS Attention Signal - An audio signal using the two tone frequencies of 853 and 960 Hz which is
transmitted by an EAS station to actuate muted receivers for interstation
receipt of emergency cuing announcements and broadcasts.
EAS Handbook - A booklet which states in summary form the actions to be taken by station
personnel upon receipt of emergency action notification, termination, or test
messages. The authenticator word list is considered part of the EAS
Handbook.
EBS Checklist - The old name for the EAS Handbook. It was used under the EBS system.
Generator/Encoder - Equipment capable of generating the EAS attention signal for transmission.
EAS Monitor/Decoder - Equipment capable of receiving the EAS attention signal and emergency
programming transmitted by other EAS stations.
EAS Tests - Tests conducted weekly by broadcast stations to ensure that their EAS equipment
is functioning properly and that station personnel are familiar with the use of
these devices.
Equipment Performance Measurement - Measurements performed to determine the overall performance characteristics of
a broadcast transmission system from point of program origination to sampling
of signal as radiated.
Experimental Period - The time between 12 midnight local time and local sunrise, used by AM broadcast
stations for tests, maintenance and experimentation.
Extension Metering - The meters used to provide indications of a sampled parameter of a broadcast
station transmitting system. To be considered an extension meter and not a
remote meter, it must be less than 100 feet from the transmitter and installed
in the same building as the transmitter.
Field Strength - Electric field intensity, usually measured in millivolts per meter (mV/m) or in
decibels above 1 microvolt per meter (dBu).
Frequency Modulation (FM) - A method of modulation where the amplitude remains constant and the frequency
of the carrier wave is varied according to the modulating wave. The FM
broadcast band covers 88-108 Megahertz.
Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) - See
Time Brokerage
NRSC-1 - An audio pre-emphasis standard for AM stations which was implemented June 30,
1990. The pre-emphasis generally is obtained by using special
"NRSC-1-equipped" audio processing equipment or a special NRSC-1 audio
"filter".
NRSC-2 - An emission standard for AM stations aimed at attenuating AM sideband energy
beyond 10 kHz of the assigned carrier frequency. This standard was
implemented June 30, 1994.
Output Power - The radio frequency output power of a transmitter's final radio frequency stage
as measured at the output terminal while connected to a load. Often referred
to as TPO.
Proof of Performance Measurements (Proofs) - The measurements of field strengths made to determine the radiation pattern or
characteristics of an AM directional antenna system.
Public Inspection File - A publicly accessible file to be maintained by broadcast stations which
contains documents pertaining to the station's licensing, ownership, and
operation.
Remote Control -
Operation by a properly designated person on duty at a control position from
which the transmitter is not visible but that position is equipped with
suitable controls so that essential functions can be performed.
Spurious Emissions -
An emission on a frequency or frequencies which are outside the necessary
bandwidth and the level of which may be reduced without affecting the
corresponding transmission of information. Spurious emissions include harmonic
emissions, parasitic emissions, intermodulation products and frequency
conversion products.
Station Authorization -
Any construction permit, license, special temporary authority, or any other
authorization issued by the FCC.
Time Brokerage -
Sale by a licensee of discrete blocks of time to a broker who then supplies the
programming to fill that time and sells the commercial spot announcements to
support it.
Unattended Operation -
Operation of a station by automatic means without the attention of a qualified
operator.
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AUTHORIZATIONS: Are current station authorizations posted or readily
available at all control or automatic transmission system (ATS) monitoring and
alarm points?
