FCC Seeking Comments On Its EEO Enforcement

The FCC is asking for ideas and opinions about the effectiveness of its EEO compliance and enforcement program, and how the program can be improved.

The FCC currently enforces its EEO rules mainly through random audits of station employment units. Broadcast stations that are audited are required to provide the FCC with detailed information and documentation about their EEO programs. If a station is found to have violated the EEO rules, it can face fines and other sanctions.

The FCC wants to know how it can make improvements to its EEO enforcement program. It wants to hear from the public, including broadcasters, about which parts of the FCC’s enforcement program are effective and which aren’t. The FCC asks if the current auditing procedures are effective at uncovering discrimination during the hiring process. It also seeks input on whether there are other types of enforcement and compliance initiatives that the FCC should undertake.

One group of broadcasters has already filed comments suggesting that EEO enforcement be conducted on a company-wide basis rather than at local employment units, and that companies with fewer than 50 employees be exempted from the current EEO enforcement procedures.

Comments are due August 21, 2019, and reply comments are due September 5, 2019.

If you would like more information on the FCC’s review of its EEO enforcement program, or would like to file comments, please contact any attorney in our office.