From an FCC press release – 7/6/12
On July 17, 2012, the FCC will conduct a public demonstration of the database it has developed to host the online public inspection file for television broadcast stations. The FCC will demonstrate the interface to be used by stations to file documents required to be placed in the online database.
The database has been developed in connection with the FCC’s recent Order requiring television broadcast stations to post their public inspection files online in a central, Commission-hosted database.[1] These rules go into effect August 2, 2012.[2] The demonstration is part of the commitment made by the Commission to test the online public file and educate the public regarding its use. The demonstration will inform broadcasters and others of the design and content of the online file, how stations will upload information to the file, how file sharing tools like Dropbox and Box can be used for uploading, and other ways in which the FCC is working to facilitate access to its public databases.
The demonstration will take place on Tuesday, July 17 at 10:00 a.m. EDT in the Commission Meeting Room at FCC Headquarters, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20554. This event will be streamed live. Persons interested in participating via the Internet may do so by logging on to www.fcc.gov/live. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Send an email to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice) or (202) 418-0432 (TTY).
To the extent any participant submits information during the demonstration on which the participant intends the Commission to rely in the online public file proceeding, such information should be filed in the rulemaking docket in ECFS, as required under 47 C.F.R. § 1.1206.
For additional information, contact John Norton, john.norton@fcc.gov, (202) 418-7037, or Kim Matthews, kim.matthews@fcc.gov, (202) 418-2154, of the Media Bureau, Policy Division, or Greg Elin, greg.elin@fcc.gov, (202) 418-2210, of the Office of the Managing Director. For press inquiries, contact Janice Wise, janice.wise@fcc.gov, 202 418-8165.
[1] See Standardized and Enhanced Disclosure Requirements for Television Broadcast Licensee Public Interest Obligations, Extension of the Filing Requirement for Children’s Television Programming Report (FCC Form 398), Second Report and Order, MM Docket Nos. 00-168 and 00-44, FCC 12-44 (rel. April 27, 2012).
[2] See Public Notice, Effective Date Announced for Online Publication of Broadcast Television Public Inspection Files, MM Docket Nos. 00-168 and 00-44, DA 12-1507, rel. July 3, 2012.
