FCC names 34 Texas stations in latest round of EEO audits

 - TAB offers members compliance help

The FCC last week announced that 34 Texas stations will be audited to assess their compliance with the commission’s Equal Employment Opportunity rules.

Stations are randomly selected by the FCC which audits about five percent of all radio and television stations annually; they have 30 days to respond to the FCC with the requested information.

“It is critically important that stations on the audit list respond promptly to the FCC in order to avoid potential penalties,” said TAB President Oscar Rodriguez.

“Don’t wait until the last minute to begin preparing your response – act now to determine whether you might need to consult your communications counsel to assist.”

The FCC notes in its announcement that stations with a website and five or more full-time employees must post their most recent EEO public file report on the website by the same deadline for placing the report in the public file. Failing to do so subjects stations to possible fines.

EEO-related services for TAB members

TAB provides stations a variety of services to ensure compliance with the FCC’s complicated EEO rules, including:

• Making It Work – A legal guide to the FCC’s EEO rules prepared by TAB’s FCC law firm, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman.
• Broadcast1Source – A web-based program that facilitates stations’ recruitment and recordkeeping activities.
• Online Job Bank – Free to job seekers and TAB member stations, the Job Bank is the most visited part of TAB.org.
• Career Expos – Held in conjunction with a Texas college or university broadcast program, the Career Expos provide stations an opportunity for face-to-face introductions to prospective employees, on-the-spot interviews and the ability to earn a quarter point toward the FCC’s compliance standards.

Questions about any of these services can be directed to TAB’s Public Service/EEO Director Craig Bean or Projects Coordinator Teresa McAnally.