WSAB Alternate Broadcast Inspection Program
The WSAB offers Alternate Broadcast Inspections (ABIP) to assist radio and television stations in the state of Washington to remain compliant with FCC rules and regulations.
The WSAB has engaged qualified independent broadcast engineers, approved by the regional FCC Field Office, who will conduct a full, FCC-type inspection of your station(s), using the SBE AM/FM/TV checklist as a guideline. Here are the details:
Includes public file review, transmission facilities, EAS, etc.;
WSAB inspects primary facilities (translators are not inspected);
Stations with successful inspections receive a three-year certification;
WSAB informs FCC Regional Field Office of successful certification, which provides assurance against random inspection over same period of time;
Does not protect against formal complaint, as FCC has an obligation to investigate;
If the station doesn’t pass it’s examination, the inspector will provide the station with a confidential report outlining any problems or FCC violations. You correct the problems identified within a specified period of time, submit to a re-inspection or provide other proof of compliance to the inspector. Then, with a clean bill of health, WSAB will notify the FCC of your compliance and issue a Certificate of Compliance. At no time is the FCC notified of a station that does not pass the ABIP inspection;
If the station chooses to have WSAB notify the local FCC Field Office of its pending inspection, the station will be protected against an FCC inspection for 150 days. If the station chooses to have WSAB not notify the FCC, there is no protection until the station passes the ABIP inspection and receives its Certificate of Compliance.
To sign up for a WSAB ABIP inspection, please use the ABIP Application Form - found by clicking the button below (complete one for each station) and email to kshipman@wsab.org.
Find the FCC’s Self Inspection Checklists here:
Class A TV Self Inspection Checklist
LPTV Self Inspection Checklist
Upon completion of a successful inspection, your station will receive a Certification of Compliance and a copy will be sent to the regional FCC office. WSAB encourages you to post your Certificate(s) of Compliance where visitors in a visible location in your station’s lobby.