TAB’s Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program Offers Affordable Compliance, Peace of Mind

For 21 years, TAB has offered Texas Radio and TV stations the opportunity to earn a three-year waiver from routine or surprise FCC inspection by going through a mock FCC-style inspection.  TAB’s Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP) has a contracted team of inspectors, a mix of broadcast engineering veterans and retired FCC field agents, that reviews stations for FCC compliance using the FCC’s station self-inspection checklists as a guide.

TAB reached an agreement in 1996 with the Dallas FCC field office to create the program in Texas.  It was renewed, along with the other state broadcast associations’ similar programs, by an agreement with the FCC in Washington D.C. in 2003.  Our team of inspectors has logged thousands of miles and reviewed hundreds of stations over the past two decades.  Each station review generates an inspection report documenting the station’s FCC compliance and the results of the TAB inspector’s review.  Compliant stations receive the three-year waiver in the form of a Certificate of Compliance which is typically posted in the lobby of the station.

While many stations pass the inspection with flying colors, stations that are found to have deficiencies may correct them within a reasonable timeframe and still garner one of the coveted certificates.  The ABIP’s goal is to promote and ensure station compliance with the FCC’s regulations.  Stations that have undergone an ABIP review very quickly realize the value of getting a third-party to search for any FCC regulatory deficiencies.  Clearly, it is less expensive if the TAB finds a problem and it is addressed, than if the FCC found the problem during a routine, drop-by inspection.  TAB keeps the inspection fees low so stations can take advantage of this tremendous member service.

In fact, the rates have only been raised once in the program’s two decades of existence.  The benefit of peace of mind to stations, however, is priceless.  Interested in getting a station inspection?  Learn more about what is involved in an ABIP station review and download the ABIP contract here.

Questions?  Contact TAB's Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.