U.S. broadcasters, take note. Demographic data about your workforce will NOT be due to the FCC at the end of September.
This is an update to a story that has been developing over recent months.
Earlier this year the FCC said it would resume collecting diversity data via Form 395-B for the first time in more than two decades, and the first deadline was expected to be Sept. 30.
But the Media Bureau on Friday released an update. Because no public notice concerning how to submit the form has been published, there is no initial deadline yet.
“The bureau will provide broadcasters ample time to put into place whatever data collection processes they require prior to the first filing deadline,” the statement read.
Once the rule does take effect, broadcasters with five or more employees will need to submit EEO information annually. The commission said the collection of the data will give it a better understanding of workforce composition in broadcasting.
But there are several legal cases against the change from opponents including theDove Media, the National Religious Broadcasters, American Family Association and the Texas Association of Broadcasters. Those challenges have been consolidated into one court proceeding.
Meanwhile the National Association of Broadcasters has filed a petition with the FCC for partial reconsideration on the revival of the form. NAB said the commission’s intent publicly to disclose EEO data from individual broadcasters violates the First Amendment. In addition, several organizations including the Catholic Radio Association and Sanctus Josephus Society filed a petition for reconsideration as well.
