ABSTRACT
One of the main tenets of a radio or television station's Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license is the vow to broadcast in public interest. One of the main ways this is done is through public affairs shows and Public Service Announcements. The FCC has reduced or eliminated many of its requirements for a station to retain its license to broadcast. The public affairs commitment still exists. Public affairs shows must be sponsor-free. Because public affairs shows cannot contain commercials, stations tend to run them at times when it is harder to sell airtime and when the value of those spots are generally lower than at other times of the day. The Public File is required of every FCC-licensed radio and TV station in country, no matter how small it is or where it's located. This includes college radio stations. Failure to include proper documentation or incomplete documentation of station's public affairs efforts, among other things, can result in serious fines.
