New FCC Database for Television Station Online Public Inspection Files Effective June 24, 2016

The FCC announced in a Public Notice that starting June 24, 2016, television stations must begin using a new database to manage their online public inspection files. The new database is called the Online Public Inspection File (“OPIF”) database. Television stations currently use a database called the Broadcast Public Inspection File (“BPIF”) database. Starting June 24, 2016, television stations must use the new OPIF database to maintain their online public inspection files instead of the BPIF database they are currently using.

The new OPIF database includes a number of technical improvements that should simplify uploading of documents and management of online public files. The FCC will transfer documents that are in the BPIF database to the new OPIF database by June 24. The BPIF database that stations are currently using will no longer be available starting on that date. Stations should review their online public inspection files on or shortly after June 24 to make certain that their existing public file documents have been successfully moved to the new database.

Stations should begin to familiarize themselves with the new online public inspection file database as soon as possible, and can preview and test the new database here.

If you have any questions about the new public inspection file database or the FCC’s online public inspection rules, please contact any attorney in our office.

Categories: Media