[BC] Public File proceeding

[Larry Fuss]

>> Actually, it's an exercise in paperwork.  It serves no useful purpose.

> I disagree.  Recently I filed on a license renewal and the public file was
quite helpful.

Information needed to file a license renewal wouldn't necessarily have to be
in a Public File.  Keeping stuff in a certain format and in a certain place
just to satisfy the Public File requirements, is a waste of resources.  As
noted previously, nobody from the public ever shows up to look at it.  It is
nothing but a paperwork exercise.

>> That's time that could be better spent doing something that actually
served
the public, rather than preparing paperwork that nobody ever sees.

> Usually it's an employee looking to trim the fat...

As someone else pointed out, it's time that could be spent WITH the public,
rather than doing paperwork.

>> Then make stations accountable for things that matter.  The Public File
does not matter.

> If a radio or TV station took the time and has a public file which meets
the
requirements and is up to date, more than likely they are accountable for
things that matter over a situation where nobody keeps a public file. 

That's a stretch.  I've seen stations with immaculate Public Files that had
otherwise lousy operations.  And I've seen really great radio stations that
had incredibly sloppy public files.  One has nothing to do with the other.

>> No, running a radio station is not easy.  Burdening licensees with
useless
paperwork makes it even more difficult.

> Hey, that's what you signed up for when you purchased the station.  The
public file is nothing new.

Right, but there's no reason why something that is practically useless can't
be done away with.  Or should we hold onto it "because that's the way we've
always done it?"  That's what it sounds like you are saying.

Larry Fuss