FCC Shutdown Brings Complexities for Stations’ Political Files

- Public Access Requirement Remains in Force

Most of the FCC's operations remain suspended during the continuing federal government shutdown, which means, in part, that stations have to take extra care to ensure their political files are updated and available for public viewing while all station online public files are shuttered.

FCC attorney David Oxenford with Wilkinson Barker & Knauer, a TAB Associate Member, reminds stations that when the FCC's computer systems are not available, broadcasters are supposed to maintain their political file in an alternative format so that it can be viewed by interested parties.

"The political file is the only portion of the public file where such alternatives must be maintained," he notes in his most recent blog post.

That means that broadcasters must keep the political file current and accommodate members of the public who wish to see those documents.

DFW, Houston Special Elections

Broadcasters in Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, where special elections to fill vacant statehouse and congressional seats are underway, should be especially sensitive to the potential requests from the public for access to their political files.

But with voting also now underway across the state for the November constitutional ballot propositions and local elections, all Texas Radio and TV stations should be mindful of this regulatory burden.

All new documents for the political file received after the shutdown began must be uploaded to the online public file the day after the FCC reopens, though with scores of other documents required across the FCC's regulated entities, it's unclear whether the FCC's systems will be able to handle the deluge of filings that will be due.

Read Oxenford's blog post for further insights into how the FCC's extended closure is affecting broadcasters.

Questions? Contact Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.