The Massachusetts Broadcasters Association (MBA) maintains a contract with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to offer the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP) to its members. The ABIP is a nationwide program designed to assist stations in conducting FCC station inspections at a reduced rate. Inspections are performed by an FCC-licensed inspector and former FCC field technician holding an agreement with the MBA to conduct such inspections.
Stations entering into an agreement with the MBA agree to have their station inspected within a period of 150 days from the signed date of the ABIP contract between the MBA and the station operator. Once a station is found in compliance with all FCC regulations, the FCC will not conduct an inspection, investigation, or audit of the station for a period of 3 years from the date of the Certificate of Compliance issued to the station by the MBA; however, notwithstanding the following:
- “Targeted Tower Safety Inspection” (relative to tower safety issues and limited to the antenna site)
- “Complaint Driven Inspection” (any complaint initiated against a station)
- Political broadcasting or EEO materials required to be in the station’s public inspection file.
Through ABIP inspections, Massachusetts radio and television stations avoided $608,000 in potential FCC fines from 2013 to 2015. Your station can’t afford to NOT get inspected!
Inspection Fees (per call letters):
MBA Member: $350
Non-Member: $500
Re-Inspection (member & non-member): $500
All questions about the Program may be directed to Jordan Walton at 800-471-1875 or by email to jordan@massbroadcasters.org.
