Online Public File Could Improve Broadcaster Security, Says O'Rielly
Stations that make their public inspection files available online shouldn't be required to make their facilities open to the public, said Commissioner Mike O'Rielly in a blog post. The commission should clarify its current and future online public file rules…
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to make this clear, O'Rielly said Tuesday. “This positive step will improve the safety of broadcast stations while enhancing public access to key records.” Public file inspection requirements create “a potential weakness” in broadcaster security, O'Rielly said. “When unknown individuals are allowed into a broadcast facility for any purpose, but in particular, to review the public inspection file, the list of potential risks can be quite long, including violence.” The FCC included -- at O'Rielly's urging -- a request for comment on the security ramifications of online public files in its most recent online political file NPRM, but received little response, O'Rielly said. “It would be helpful to have a more fulsome record” on the threats and harms facing broadcast station workers and whether online public file could address them, he said. “I call on my fellow Commissioners to help to improve the safety and security of America’s broadcasters and their employees by reducing unnecessary access if or when any efforts to expand the online public file go live.”