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Effective January 1, 2012 Alternate Broadcast Inspections (ABIP) are free
for all ABA member stations. This contractual arrangement between ABA and the
FCC allows stations to have a three year period of immunity from random
inspections by the FCC.
The details are simple. The inspector does a complete FCC style inspection of
your station(s) and gives you a confidential report that outlines any problems
or any violations found. The inspection covers non-technical (public file,
etc.) matters as well as technical matters. It is the station's obligation to
correct any problems found within a specified period of time.
The FCC will be notified of your compliance when confirmed by Mr. Wilkins and
will AGREE NOT TO PERFORM A
RANDOM
INSPECTION OF YOUR STATION(S) FOR THREE
YEARS! They would only inspect your station(s) if someone files a complaint.
(All stations with more than five full time employees are subject to the random
EEO Audits but, that is a paper audit only and the FCC does not come to your
facility.)
The Alabama Broadcasters Association suggests that you prepare for the
inspection and correct any known problems before entering into this alternate
inspection process.
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COST
Effective January 1st, 2012 the ABA waives any and all inspection fees for ABA
members, provided that the station remains an ABA member throughout the three
(3) year period covered by the Certification of Compliance. Station will be
billed by the ABA for any travel expenses incurred by the inspector. The
inspector will make every effort to schedule other inspections in the same area
to help reduce the expenses to each station.
Should the station cancel its membership during the three year period, the ABA
will bill station for the inspections based on the fees listed below. The
non-ABA member rate applies for stations applying for an inspection but don’t
wish to join the ABA.
DTV/Analog - $450.00 (plus travel expenses) for ABA members and $750.00 (plus
travel expenses) for non-ABA members. A second co-owned TV station to be
inspected at the same location is an additional $225.00 for members or $525.00
for non-ABA members.
FM or Non-Directional AM - $300.00 (plus travel expenses) for ABA members and
$600.00 (plus travel expenses) for non-ABA members. Additional stations of the
same type and in the same location will be inspected for one half of the rate.
Directional AM - $400.00 (plus travel expenses) for ABA members and $700.00
(plus travel expenses) for non-ABA members.
EXPENSES
Mr. Wilkins' mileage will be charged at the current GSA rate per mile, plus
hotel and meals for the inspection trip. You may use trade (barter) for these
items if you wish. For efficiency in travel, Mr. Wilkins will try to arrange
inspection trips to visit several stations in an area of the state during a
trip.
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PROCEDURE
To receive more information about the Alternate Broadcast Inspection Program
or to apply for an inspection contact Larry Wilkins
lwilkins@al-ba.com
or
334-303-2525. Larry will confirm with the ABA office that you have paid your
annual dues. You may
apply for an inspection online
or you may
print the form
and mail or fax it.
Your three year immunity from FCC random inspections can start prior to your
actual inspection.
Mr. Wilkins or his designated representative is a contractor with the ABA, not
the FCC, but with the full knowledge and consent of the FCC through the
contractual agreement between ABA and the FCC.
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ABOUT THE INSPECTOR
Larry Wilkins has over 40 years experience in radio and television engineering.
He started, like a lot of others, while in high school at a 1 kW day timer, in
his hometown of Enterprise. After two years of electronics school he began
working for the NBC affiliate in Montgomery.
Throughout his career he has built numerous radio/television studio and
transmitter facilities. Wilkins recently retired as Assistant Director of
Engineering for Cumulus Broadcast, a job he held for 10 years. He is chair of
the Alabama EAS Committee and serves on the Amber task force for the State.
He also has worked for the Auburn Network for over 20 years handling on site
engineering duties at all Auburn Football games. Wilkins designed and
supervised the installation of the Alabama Digital Satellite Network that
distributes regional sports broadcast in the Southeast.
Wilkins has served on the SBE National Board of Directors and presently serves
on the SBE Certification Committee . He holds Certified Professional Broadcast
Engineer (CPBE), AM Directional (AMD) and Certified Broadcast Network
Technology (CBNT) certifications.
Outside broadcasting, he and his wife Cathy are avid rose gardeners and are
members of the Montgomery Rose Society and the American Rose Society. Wilkins
was recently elected as the president of the Montgomery chapter.
Contact Larry Wilkins to arrange for your inspection at
lwilkins@al-ba.com
or
334-303-2525.
(l-r) ABA ABIP Inspector Larry Wilkins with engineer Steve Rigby at the WBHY AM
transmitter.
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