CommLawBlog

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February 25, 2021

For over a year, COVID-19 has created immeasurable change to our way of life and the global economy. By now, you have probably already heard of or dealt with contractual disputes—from advertising to insurance and many other fields—related to non-performance caused by the pandemic. While many cases are still being litigated, it is important to understand the direction in which these may go. Just as important is answering the question: How will future contracts be…

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ATSC 3.0 Order Encourages the Deployment of Broadcast Internet Services

By Paul J. Feldman

February 5, 2021

On December 10, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or the “Commission”) released a Report and Order that is intended to encourage further deployment of the ATSC 3.0 Next Generation Television Standard (ATSC 3.0), and particularly to facilitate the expansion of new and innovative ancillary and supplementary “Broadcast Internet” services by noncommercial educational (NCE) stations. These Broadcast Internet services are distinct from traditional over-the-air video programming services. The Report and Order is the culmination of…

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The Implications of COVID-19 on Contract Law

By Thomas Urban

February 3, 2021

For nearly a year, the world has battled a pandemic defined as Coronavirus-19 or COVID-19. This virus has caused enormous damage worldwide in terms of human life, health, and economic devastation. This destruction has been acutely felt here in the United States, with the death of hundreds of thousands of Americans and the long-term illness of millions, as well as severe economic loss due to factors beyond the control of those who have been affected.…

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Offense Not Limited to the Field: The NFL’s Aggressive Push To Protect Its Trademarks

By Elizabeth Craig

February 1, 2021

It’s that time of year again when the biggest event in professional football triggers all sorts of questions from broadcasters and advertisers about how that event may be mentioned in broadcast programming. You guessed it: I’m talking about the Super Bowl. Most people have undoubtedly heard the Super Bowl referred to as “the Big Game” or the “Sunday Game” by advertisers who are continuously coming up with new and imaginative ways to refer to the…

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Upcoming FCC Broadcast and Telecom Deadlines for February – April

By FHH Law

January 26, 2021

Broadcast Deadlines: February 1, 2021 Radio License Renewal Applications Due – Applications for renewal of license for radio stations located in Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma must be filed in the Licensing and Management System (“LMS”). These applications must be accompanied by Schedule 396, the Broadcast Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Program Report, also filed in LMS, regardless of the number of full-time employees. Under the new public notice rules, radio stations filing renewal applications must begin…

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Selected New Developments in Broadband – January

By Jeffrey Mitchell

January 8, 2021

Capitol Hill Although President Trump criticized the final $900 billion COVID-relief legislative package (containing both COVID-relief and an omnibus spending bill that averted a government shutdown) for providing too little financial relief to Americans and too much wasteful spending, on December 27 he signed the package into law.…

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Davina Sashkin Elected Co-Managing Member of Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth

By FHH Law

January 1, 2021

Washington, DC – Telecommunications, media, and technology law firm Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, P.L.C. (FHH) is pleased to announce that Davina Sashkin has been elected to serve as as Co-Managing Member of the Firm effective January 1. 2021. Ms. Sashkin joins current Co-Managing Members Matthew H. McCormick and Dan A. Kirkpatrick in overseeing the Firm’s strategic vision and day-to-day operations. She will continue to serve in her role as Chair of the Firm’s Marketing Committee.…

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Upcoming FCC Broadcast and Telecom Deadlines for January – March

By FHH Law

December 28, 2020

Broadcast Deadlines: January 30, 2021 Children’s Television Programming Reports – Each commercial TV and Class A television station must electronically file its annual Children’s Television Programming Report, on FCC Form 2100 Schedule H, to report on programming aired by the station and other efforts in 2020 that were specifically designed to serve the educational and informational needs of children. Commercial Compliance Certifications – Each commercial TV and Class A television station must post to its…

CommLawBlog

FCC Takes Step Forward to Establishment of Rip and Replace Program

By Donald Evans

December 21, 2020

The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or the “Commission”) took a significant step forward this month in concretizing its program for extirpating equipment from the country’s communications networks that poses a threat to national security. The Commission’s Order in large part implements the objectives of the Secure and Trusted Networks Act of 2019 (the “Secure Networks Act”) and fills in some of the blanks left by the statute. There are a few notable quirks, however. Background…

CommLawBlog

Enforcement Bureau Cracks Down on Properties Allowing Pirate Radio

By FHH Law

December 18, 2020

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Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”) Enforcement Bureau released three Notices of Illegal Pirate Radio Broadcasting to multiple New York City-based property managers for housing an unlicensed radio broadcasting operation. In conjunction with the notices, the FCC issued an Order – without the typical notice and comment procedures – implementing the Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act (“PIRATE Act”) and specifying the new elements of this enforcement regime. …

CommLawBlog

Blog Authors

New Webinar: Writing Contracts for a Post-COVID World

ATSC 3.0 Order Encourages the Deployment of Broadcast Internet Services

The Implications of COVID-19 on Contract Law

Offense Not Limited to the Field: The NFL’s Aggressive Push To Protect Its Trademarks

Upcoming FCC Broadcast and Telecom Deadlines for February – April

Selected New Developments in Broadband – January

Davina Sashkin Elected Co-Managing Member of Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth

Upcoming FCC Broadcast and Telecom Deadlines for January – March

FCC Takes Step Forward to Establishment of Rip and Replace Program

Enforcement Bureau Cracks Down on Properties Allowing Pirate Radio

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