The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has released new broadcast station self-inspection guides for FM and television stations. These two guides assist broadcasters in conducting a self-inspection of their stations. Guides for AM, low-power and translator stations are expected to be released soon.

NAB joined with the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) to provide up-to-date, standardized guidance toward compliance with FCC rules and policies. Up until 2003, the FCC published self-inspection checklists, but has ceased updating them although rules and policies have changed since that time. The guides are also intended to be used by contract inspectors who are part of the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program, which are contracted by most state broadcaster associations.

Availability of the self-inspection guides will be announced at NAB Show at a joint NAB/SBE session on Tuesday, April 16, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Connect Zone Conversation Corner (LVCC West Hall, W3943), “FCC Enforcement – New Self-Inspection Guides Can Help Your Station Avoid Fines.” Representatives from NAB, the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Association (NASBA) and SBE will present the new guides and will be available to answer questions.

The guides will initially be a free member benefit to NAB and SBE members. The guides will be available for download from the NAB website under the Membership / Member Tools / Member Downloads tab as well as from SBE.

“NAB is excited to announce these self-inspection guides as a benefit to both NAB and SBE members,” said Robert Weller, vice president for spectrum policy at NAB. “The success of this project was possible through close collaboration between our organizations and demonstrates the commitment of broadcasters to proper station operation.”