The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) routinely inspects radio and television stations for a variety of technical issues. The New York State Broadcasters Association’s (NYSBA) Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP) is an official inspection program authorized by the FCC.  It is designed to get stations prepared in the event the FCC decides to make a technical inspection of the station.  Stations that pass the NYSBA’s ABIP program receive a certificate from us indicating that the station complies with the FCC’s technical regulations.  In the past, the FCC has viewed the certificate with approval and has generally declined to send out a team to inspect a certified station for a 3-year period.

 

Note: Due to changes at the FCC, this inspection does not apply to the inspection of a station's online public file, online political file, or filings necessary to comply with FCC EEO requirements.  The FCC may proceed to conduct an inspections of these elements.

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Hundreds of stations have used our ABIP program over the years to avoid costly and time-consuming FCC inspections. These stations recognized the benefits of having a NYSBA contracted engineer inspect the station. If problems are found, stations can correct any potential problems. It saves the station time and money.

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The ABIP inspection is provided to NYSBA members in good standing free of charge. There is a fee charged to non-members. Click here for inspection rates.

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NYSBA uses only top-quality engineers, that have reviewed and understand the FCC's rules, to conduct these inspections.

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The Process

1. For member stations in good standing simply print and complete the contract, sign and send it to Carolyn Nash in our office at cnash@nysbroadcasters.org or by mail:

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Carolyn Nash
ABIP Program
New York State Broadcasters Association
1805 Western Avenue
Albany, NY 12203

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Note: We will not schedule an inspection appointment until the signed contract is received. For non-members, the payment must accompany the signed contract.

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2. Once we receive the contract, our inspector will set up a date with you to conduct the inspection. Generally, we will be able to inspect your station within 150 days of the contract date, so plan ahead.

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3. NYSBA contracted engineers will review stations for compliance with most technical FCC regulations. However, they will not review a station's compliance with EEO regulations or the contents of the station’s online political file.  While we will review a station’s online public file and inform the station about obvious defects at the time of inspection, the FCC can examine the online public file at any time.  Thus, the inspection cannot guarantee the FCC will not examine the public file and take appropriate action.       

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4. Participating stations will receive a report. A copy of the report will be sent to NYSBA. Importantly, the report remains confidential and will not be sent to the FCC.  

 

• If there are no deficiencies, NYSBA will issue a Certificate of Compliance. A copy of the certificate will be sent to the FCC.

• If the report finds deficiencies, the stations must correct them before a Certificate of Compliance can be issued. If a re-inspection is necessary, it can be done but at a cost to the station. 

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5. No cancellations. If a station cancels an ABIP inspection after it has been assigned an inspection date, the station may reapply for another inspection at a later date, but a new contract may be required.

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6. If you have any questions please contact Carolyn Nash at (518) 456-8888 or cnash@nysbroadcasters.org