July 18, 2023: MAD asked FCC to open process to public comments

Typically, broadcast-license renewals are “restricted” — basically closed-door processes with limited participation by outside parties. But the July 18 MAD filing urged the Commission to shift the matter to “permit-but-disclose” status, which allows a public participation, the ability to meet with Commissioners staff, and a greater and freer exchange of arguments in the case, as long as all communications are disclosed.

Broadcast-license renewals aren’t typically conducted as “permit-but-disclose” proceedings. That’s because the license-renewal process for many stations mainly examines day-to-day activities of the broadcast station itself, MAD notes.

But the objections being raised to renewing Fox’s ownership of WTXF involve much broader issues, says the letter. Those objections concern actions of the ownership corporation — Fox — that might disqualify it from owning a station that’s legally required to operate in the public interest., For this reason, MAD urges the FCC to change the process to permit wider public participation.

MAD’s July 18 FCC filing can be found here.

Note: On August 23 the FCC granted our request as noted here.