Alternate Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP)

2012 Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program

MAB’s ABIP is an official program recognized by the FCC. Stations which pass the alternative inspection receive a 3-year exemption from routine FCC inspections. During an alternative inspection, the MAB inspector comes to your station to review technical compliance with basic FCC technical operating regulations as well as the public file; however the ABIP does not cover EEO.

The most current FCC Self-Inspection checklist for AM, FM or TV stations is used for the inspection. It’s a great way to get a technical review of your station’s rules compliance and alert you to any potential problems.
 
All stations considering participating in the ABIP should read the following carefully as some items are new or changed.

Step-by-Step of How ABIP Works:

1.  Determine if your station(s) wish to participate in the program. Review all the following details to make an informed decision.

2.  To receive your contract, contact Ann Cochrane at acochrane@michmab.com. Submit the completed ABIP contract and return with full payment to MAB. On the agreement, you MUST indicate if you want to have a 150-day grace-period of inspections.  ***more details below

3.  Once MAB receives the ABIP contract, a letter of intent to inspect is sent to the station verifying their forthcoming inspection. The station will also receive an outline of how the inspection will work and a check-list on what the inspection will cover.

** If the station elects for the grace-period option, the MAB notifies the FCC that this station is awaiting an inspection. The FCC agrees not to conduct a routine inspection for the next 150 days. If the station elects NOT to accept the grace-period option, there is no protection from a routine FCC until the station receives a certificate of compliance. However, the FCC is never notified that the station is participating in the program (until the station passes the inspection and receives a Certificate of Compliance).

4.  The station and MAB agree upon an inspection date within 150 days. This date is firm and cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.

5.  On the assigned date, the MAB inspector conducts the alternative inspection at your station. If the station desires, the inspector will work with station staff to cover many of the details and compliance issues.

6.  Upon completion of the inspection (regardless of the results), your station receives a detailed confidential summary of the inspection.

7.  If your station passes the ABIP, you will receive a Certificate of Compliance. A copy of only the certificate is sent to the FCC which has guaranteed that they will not conduct a routine inspection of that station for three years. If your station does not pass the alternative inspection, you may elect to correct the infractions in the manner described in the report. If you choose to correct the problems, a re-inspection may be necessary depending on the issues. The FCC is not notified of stations which do not pass or do not correct the infractions.

NOTE: Each station will receive a complete report from the inspector on the station. This report is confidential and is not shared with the FCC or any other party.

What EXACTLY is covered in an ABIP inspection?

The inspector will cover all the items listed on the FCC's most current Self-Inspection Checklists. MAB encourages every station to review this checklist regardless of whether the station participates in the ABIP program.  FCC Self-Inspection Checklists available here.

Who conducts the ABIP inspections?

The MAB Director of Technology Larry Estlack conducts the ABIP inspections. Larry is a certified professional broadcast engineer with more then 25 years experience in both radio and television engineering. Larry compiles a detailed report of each stations' findings.

The reports are comprehensive and confidential.

Cancellation Policy: Full payment for inspection(s) and travel related expenses are due to the MAB with signed contract. NO EXCEPTIONS. If a station cancels an ABIP inspection after it has been assigned an inspection date by the MAB, it will forfeit the entire fee it has already paid.  The station may reapply for another inspection at a later date, a new application and fee payment will be required.

Payments should be made payable to the MAB. Payments to the MAB may be deductible as a legitimate business expenses under the Internal Revenue Code. They are not deductible, however, as charitable contributions.