ABIP

Alternate Broadcast Inspection Program participation frees stations from random FCC inspections for three years.

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HOW ABIP WORKS

The details are simple. The inspector does a complete FCC style inspection of your station(s) and gives you a confidential report that outlines any problems or any violations found. The inspection covers non-technical (public file, etc.) matters as well as technical matters. It is the station's obligation to correct any problems found within a specified period of time.

The FCC will be notified of your compliance when confirmed by Mr. Wilkins and will AGREE NOT TO PERFORM A RANDOM INSPECTION OF YOUR STATION(S) FOR THREE YEARS! They would only inspect your station(s) if someone files a complaint. (All stations with more than five full time employees are subject to the random EEO Audits but, that is a paper audit only and the FCC does not come to your facility.)

The Alabama Broadcasters Association suggests that you prepare for the inspection and correct any known problems before entering into this alternate inspection process.

COST

Effective January 1st, 2012 the ABA waives any and all inspection fees for ABA members, provided that the station remains an ABA member throughout the three (3) year period covered by the Certification of Compliance. Station will be billed by the ABA for any travel expenses incurred by the inspector. The inspector will make every effort to schedule other inspections in the same area to help reduce the expenses to each station.

Should the station(s) fail to renew ABA membership during the three year period, the ABA will bill station for the inspections based on the non-member fees listed below.

DTV/Analog
$750 (plus travel expenses)
$525 Second station inspected at same location

FM or Non-Directional AM
$600 (plus travel expenses)
$300 Additional stations of the same type and in the same location

Directional AM
$700 (plus travel expenses)

PROCEDURE

To receive more information about the Alternate Broadcast Inspection Program or to apply for an inspection contact Larry Wilkins lwilkins@al-ba.com or 334-303-2525. Larry will confirm with the ABA office that you have paid your annual dues. Your three year immunity from FCC random inspections can start prior to your actual inspection.

Mr. Wilkins or his designated representative is a contractor with the ABA, not the FCC, but with the full knowledge and consent of the FCC through the contractual agreement between ABA and the FCC.

ABOUT THE INSPECTOR

Larry Wilkins has over 40 years experience in radio and television engineering. He started, like a lot of others, while in high school at a 1 kW day timer, in his hometown of Enterprise. After two years of electronics school he began working for the NBC affiliate in Montgomery.

Throughout his career he has built numerous radio/television studio and transmitter facilities. Wilkins recently retired as Assistant Director of Engineering for Cumulus Broadcast, a job he held for 10 years. He is chair of the Alabama EAS Committee and serves on the Amber task force for the State.

He also has worked for the Auburn Network for over 20 years handling on site engineering duties at all Auburn Football games. Wilkins designed and supervised the installation of the Alabama Digital Satellite Network that distributes regional sports broadcast in the Southeast.

Wilkins has served on the SBE National Board of Directors and presently serves on the SBE Certification Committee . He holds Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer (CPBE), AM Directional (AMD) and Certified Broadcast Network Technology (CBNT) certifications.

Outside broadcasting, he and his wife Cathy are avid rose gardeners and are members of the Montgomery Rose Society and the American Rose Society. Wilkins was recently elected as the president of the Montgomery chapter.

Contact Larry Wilkins to arrange for your inspection at lwilkins@al-ba.com or 334-303-2525.

(l-r) ABA ABIP Inspector Larry Wilkins with engineer Steve Rigby at the WBHY AM transmitter.