ABIP: Alternate Broadcast Inspection Program
An exclusive agreement between the IBA and the Chicago Field Office of the FCC provides IBA member Illinois stations an opportunity to be voluntarily inspectd by an FCC approved IBA provided inspector. Upon completing the application process stations receive a friendly inspection from an IBA contracted inspector using the standard FCC field service checklist. If violations are found, no fines are imposed nor are they reported to the FCC. Instead, stations are give ample time to correct the problems before another inspecction. Once a stations is determined to be in compliance, both station and the FCC field office in Chicago receive a copy of station’s Certificate of Compliance. This certificate is good for three years and exempts station from routine FCC inspections for the three year period.
How to Get Started?
Complete the ABIP Inspection Request form at the bottom of the page.
What is the cost of ABIP?
The cost of an ABIP inspection is based on market size and is determined by the number of stations and whether directional or non-directional. IBA subsidizes a portion of the ABIP cost for member stations and the resulting cost to station is minimal when compared to the benefits generated by the program.
Here’s how it works….
Complete the request for inspection application and return with payment to the IBA. Assisstance determining the fees is available by calling the IBA office at 618-985-5555. Once the application and payment are receieved, the request for inpsection is sent out to one of the IBA inspectors for scheduling. The station will be contacted by the inspector to schedule the inspection and provide an advance checklist to help the station prepare. An IBA inspector performs a complete, mock inspection of the station, including determing if EEO and Political paperwork is current and properly placed in the station’s Public Inspection File.
Should deficiencies be found, the station is given time to correct within a specified time-frame and then the inspector notifice the IBA that they station is in compliance.
IBA notifies the FCC; issues a Certificate of Compiance; station is granted immunity from random FCC inspections for a three year period.
IBA will notify member stations that currently hold valid Certificates of Compliane of the expiration date. Reminder notices are sent out each quarter for the upcoming quarter’s expirations.
Why participate…..
Participation is the ABIP will allow you to gauge the competence and diligence of the personnel upon whom the station relies upon to keep station operating in full FCC compliance. The FCC recognizes that in broadcasting, as in all business endeavors, owneres have to rely upon personnel and outside consultants to carry out a variety of tasks, including those that involve compliance. However, the Commission does not tolerate ignorance on the part of station ownership. Station ownership must have systems in place to insure that its personnel and consultants are qualified and diligent. The FCC wants broad participation in the State Association’s ABIP Programs in order to reduce the need for FCC inspections and to raise the level of compliance throughout the entire country.
