[BC] Public File proceeding

[Mike Erickson]

On 6/13/06, Larry Fuss <lfuss2 at cox.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> But nobody ever looks at it.  It's paperwork being generated for the sake
> of paperwork.


As I said, I looked to confirm my facts that the station had done nothing in
the form of local community programming.  All it does is bible thumping 24/7
for special interests.


> Enforce the regulations that matter.  The Public File is a joke.


I think it does matter when it hold broadcasters accountable.  It's like a
teacher just believeing little Johnny that he's done his homework without
looking at the work.  At least if Johnny does it, there is a hope that he
has learned something.

> So, the fact that these files were a joke leads you to believe that,
> instead
> of realizing that maybe some of these people are unfit to hold a license,
> we
> should just eliminate the public file all together?  Why not lower the
> drinking age or legalize drugs since so many people break the law?  Let's
> eliminate speed limits.
>
> You're comparing apples to turnips and missing the point altogether.


Not really.  When you have rules in place, they are there for a reason.  The
onus is on broadcasters to serve the public interest and the public file is
a part of that service.  You're saying that some legit broadcasters are
violating the rules have public files in shambles.  Therefore, we should get
rid of the regulation instead of holding these people accountable for their
poor public files.

Just because people break the law doesn't mean the law needs to go away.


> If you can't do something as basic as a legal ID right, should you even be
> in radio?


You should get the Legal ID correct and if you're caught with the wrong ID
(or lack of one) you should be held accountable if someone drops a dime on
you.  But, if there are legit broadcasters who, during periods of
automation, miss an ID, should they be held accountable?  Or should we
petition to do away with legal ID's?


>
> > I wonder what their public files look like.
>
> Why does it matter?  As I said, enforce the rules that matter!  Somebody's
> public file
> being a mess doesn't affect anyone - nobody sees it anyway.  A station
> operating with
> day power and/or pattern at night can cause widespread interference.


As I have said, the public file can be a sign of serious problems
elsewhere.

Sorry, but we're just going to have to agree to disagree.  After 34 years in
> radio, and
> many immaculate public files, I find that my time spent on such public
> files
> could have
> been better spent on something that mattered.


After 16 years in radio, I am proud of the two public files I help to
maintain.... including passed an FCC inspection a few weeks ago, so I must
be doing something right.

=Mike Erickson=