Stations Urged to Mind FCC Regulatory Deadlines
posted on 1.22.2022- Viral Video Reminder of Federal Safety Vest Rule
Texas broadcasters are urged to keep track of FCC regulatory deadlines as failure to timely file required reports can lead to admonishments and stinging fines in the thousands of dollars.
While TAB issues reminders in direct emails, online and in the weekly TABulletin newsletter, stations also can find all important dates in one place – the TAB 2022 Broadcast Calendar.
Available online for downloading, the calendar is not just intended to foster FCC regulatory compliance, but also is designed to help stations keep up with myriad other deadlines such as political windows, election dates, major industry events and holidays.
Federal Highway Administration Safety Vest Rule
A video of an MMJ getting hit by a vehicle during a live report went viral this week generating relief and surprise that the reporter was unhurt and continued her broadcast.
While the outcome was positive, it’s a nightmare scenario that could potentially have been avoided had the reporter been wearing a safety vest or similar apparel.
A rule adopted in 2008 by the Federal Highway Administration and intended to protect against injuries or fatalities requires all workers within a federal-aid highway right-of-way to wear high-visibility safety apparel.
The rule applies to media outlets, including reporters, photographers and live truck operators, requiring them to wear federally approved high-visibility safety vests when working on or near a highway or a construction zone.
Stations should consider assuming that all roadways are federal-aid highways for maximum compliance and safety, and they should ensure that all employees are aware of and comply with the regulation.
Failure to wear appropriate safety attire may leave a station open to various federal violations and civil liability in the event of injury to an employee not wearing such protective clothing.
Questions? Contact TAB’s Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.
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