What is on the Television: Understanding TV Station Operations and Regulations

Finding out what’s on TV goes beyond just checking the TV guide. Understanding how television stations operate, how programming is chosen, and the regulations they follow provides a deeper insight into the content you see on screen. This article explores the role of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in regulating broadcasting, licensing of TV stations, programming policies, public participation, and accessibility services for viewers with disabilities.

The FCC’s Role in Broadcasting

The FCC, established by the Communications Act, regulates interstate and foreign communication by wire and radio. Its primary goal is to ensure a rapid, efficient, and accessible nationwide communication service. The FCC grants licenses to TV stations, sets operational standards, and enforces regulations to serve the “public interest, convenience, and necessity.” This includes allocating broadcast spectrum, reviewing license applications, and ensuring stations serve their local communities.

TV Station Licensing: A Public Trust

A television station license is a privilege granted by the FCC, allowing broadcasters to use the public airwaves. Stations are licensed as either commercial or noncommercial educational (NCE). Commercial stations generally fund their operations through advertising revenue, while NCE stations rely on viewer contributions, government funding, and underwriting. The licensing process involves a rigorous review of applications for new stations, license renewals, and station sales. The FCC evaluates whether granting the application serves the public interest, requiring licensees to demonstrate their commitment to serving their local communities. Licenses are granted for specific periods, up to eight years, after which renewal is required.

Shaping Television Content: Programming Policies

While the First Amendment protects free speech, including broadcast content, the FCC has established certain regulations regarding programming. These regulations address issues like:

Broadcast Journalism

The FCC does not censor news content but addresses instances of hoaxes (broadcasting false information causing substantial public harm) and news distortion (intentional falsification of news).

Political Broadcasting

Specific rules govern political advertising, ensuring fair access for candidates during elections.

Objectionable Programming

The FCC regulates obscene, indecent, and profane content, prohibiting obscene material entirely and restricting indecent and profane broadcasts during hours when children are likely to be in the audience (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.).

Children’s Programming

The Children’s Television Act mandates limits on commercial time during children’s programs and requires broadcasters to provide educational and informational programming for children. Stations must identify educational programs with the “E/I” icon.

Other Content Regulations

These include requirements for station identification, disclosure of contest rules, restrictions on lottery advertising, guidelines for soliciting funds, and rules regarding broadcasting telephone conversations. Furthermore, the display of website addresses during children’s programming is subject to specific guidelines to prevent commercial exploitation.

Public Participation and the Public Inspection File

The FCC encourages public participation in the broadcasting process. Viewers can file complaints regarding station operations or programming content, participate in the licensing process by filing petitions to deny applications, and access information about a station’s operations through its public inspection file. This file, available online, contains documents related to the station’s license, programming, policies, and community engagement efforts.

Ensuring Accessibility: Services for Viewers with Disabilities

The FCC mandates accessibility services for viewers with disabilities, including:

• Closed Captioning: Text display of audio for individuals with hearing disabilities.
• Audio Description: Audio-narrated descriptions of key visual elements for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
• Access to Emergency Information: Emergency information must be accessible both aurally and visually.

Business Practices and Advertising

The FCC regulates certain aspects of broadcast advertising, including sponsorship identification (disclosure of paid programming), underwriting announcements for NCE stations, loud commercial volume, and prohibitions on tobacco advertising. The FCC does not regulate general business practices, advertising rates, or profits, except in specific cases like political advertising. They also address employment discrimination through Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) rules.

Beyond the Screen: Interference and Complaints

The FCC addresses issues like blanketing interference (impaired reception due to proximity to a station’s transmitter). Viewers experiencing interference are encouraged to contact the station directly. If unresolved, a complaint can be filed with the FCC. For programming or operational concerns, viewers can contact the station or network directly or file a complaint with the FCC.

Conclusion

Knowing “What Is On The Television” involves more than just program schedules. Understanding the framework of regulations, licensing, programming policies, public participation, and accessibility initiatives provides a comprehensive view of the broadcasting landscape. The FCC plays a crucial role in ensuring that television stations serve the public interest, providing valuable content and accessible services to viewers across the nation. By understanding these processes, viewers can engage more effectively with their local stations and the FCC, contributing to a more informed and responsible broadcasting environment.