Comments in the very contentious localism proceeding before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are due in less than a month, and broadcasters are strongly encouraged to make their voices heard. In late December, the FCC adopted a Report on Broadcast Localism and issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in MB Docket No. 04-233 that, if finalized, would force television broadcasters to organize community boards for public input, create specific processing guidelines designed to ensure broadcasters air a certain amount of local programming, and boost the status of many low power TV (LPTV) stations. In addition, the FCC is considering rule changes to the Main Studio Rule and the rules that govern unattended operation in radio.

Comments must be filed on or before March 14, 2008. Reply comments must be filed on or before April 14, 2008. For more information, click here.