FCC Issues $25,000 Fine for EEO and Public File Violations

The Federal Communications Commission has proposed a $25,000 fine against two radio broadcast licensees for equal employment opportunity (EEO) and public inspection file violations.

The FCC found that the licensees’ stations failed to upload several EEO public file reports to their public inspection files and station websites on time, failed to recruit for certain full-time vacancies, did not use recruitment sources that widely disseminate job vacancy information, did not retain records to document their recruitment efforts, and failed to analyze their EEO programs on an ongoing basis.

The FCC emphasized that annual EEO reports must be uploaded on time to both online public inspection files and station websites. It also stressed that only using on-air advertisements or private contacts when filling open positions is not sufficient recruitment.

Broadcast licensees should ensure that their EEO and public file records and practices comply with the FCC's rules. The FCC has recently issued numerous substantial fines against radio and television broadcasters for public file violations.

If you have questions about the FCC’s EEO and public inspection file rules, or would like assistance with compliance, contact an attorney in our Media practice group.

Categories: Media