Get Ready to Upload Documents to Political and Public File When Government Shut Down Ends

With talk of a settlement, we can expect the FCC to be back in action when the government reopens.  While stations have been unable to upload documents into their FCC public files during the shutdown, this will change quickly once the government reopens. For stations, this means that a number of documents need to be uploaded into a station’s political and public file. 

Political Files:  We just finished local elections in New York, and stations have numerous documents that need to be placed in their political files.  ALL POLITICAL FILE DOCUMENTS ARE DUE THE DAY AFTER THE DAY THE GOVERNMENT REOPENS.  So, stations should begin assembling their political records now.

Public Files: Stations should also be ready to upload documents that were due during the shutdown.  For example, Quarterly Issue Responsive Programs lists were due October 10^th.  These lists and other public file documents must be uploaded once the Federal government reopens.

We will keep a close watch on any notices released by the FCC on this issue.  Remember, keep information about your attempts to upload documents to your public and political files during the shutdown.  On your renewal application, you will be asked if you filed all documents in a timely fashion.  Of course, you could not because of the shutdown.  Thus, you should answer the question “no” but explain it was because of the government shutdown.  Keeping documents regarding your attempts to upload materials will help you if any questions arise.  You should consult your communications attorney on this issue.    

For an detailed discussion about the shutdown by noted communications attorney David Oxenford, go to his Broadcast Blog here.

For an analysis regarding the impact of the government shutdown on stations, go to our previous story here.