Court denies FCC request to delay oral arguments in case challenging its August 2019 Order

March 22, 2021. The case of City of Eugene, OR v. FCC will go on as scheduled on April 15, despite the fact that the FCC asked to put the case “in abeyance for 120 days…in light of recent changes in the membership and leadership of the Commission.” The NCTA, the cable TV lobby group and an intervenor in the case, objected to the FCC’s motion saying it would be harmed by the delay. The court agreed with the NCTA.

The case is about the FCC’s 2019 Third Report and Order Implementation of Section 621(a)(1) of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, 34 FCC Rcd 6844 (2019). This Order reinterpreted the federal Cable Act to mean that the total of in-kind support and franchise fees paid to cities by cable operators could not exceed 5% of video gross revenues. MORE

WCM LPFM Radio Members Receive FCC Recertification

Seven Wisconsin Community Media member stations will continue to serve their communities over the air as their LFPM radio licenses have been recertified by the Federal Communications Commission. Low-power FM (LPFM) radio stations in Eau Claire, Monona, Oshkosh, Rice Lake, Stevens Point, Sun Prairie and Waupaca have completed the process and were each granted a 10-year license from the FCC.