The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) have officially released a new set of self-inspection guides tailored for AM, FM, and television stations. These resources are designed to help broadcasters navigate the complex landscape of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) compliance.
This initiative addresses a significant gap in industry oversight. While the FCC historically provided self-inspection checklists, those documents have remained largely stagnant since 2003. In the intervening two decades, numerous changes to FCC rules and policies have rendered the older checklists obsolete. The new, standardized guides serve as a modern replacement, offering practical, up-to-date procedures for stations to evaluate their own regulatory standing.
Beyond internal station use, the guides are intended to support the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP), which is administered by various state broadcaster associations. Contract inspectors participating in the ABIP will utilize these documents as a benchmark for their assessments, ensuring greater consistency and accuracy in field inspections.
The updated guides are currently available as a free member benefit to those affiliated with the NAB or the SBE. Members can access the materials directly through the NAB member portal or via the SBE website.