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

COST

DTV/Analog - $450.00 (plus travel expenses) for ABA members and $750.00 (plus travel expenses) for non-ABA members. A second co-owned TV station to be inspected at the same location is an additional $225.00 for members or $525.00 for non-ABA members.

FM or Non-Directional AM - $300.00 (plus travel expenses) for ABA members and $600.00 (plus travel expenses) for non-ABA members. Additional stations for the same type and in the same location will be inspected for one half the rate.

Directional AM - $400.00 (plus travel expenses) for ABA members and $700.00 (plus travel expenses) for non-ABA members.

EXPENSES

Mr. Wilkins' mileage at 48¢ per mile, plus hotel and meals for the inspection trip. You may use trade (barter) for these items if you wish. For efficiency in travel, Mr. Wilkins will try to arrange inspection trips to visit several stations in an area of the state during a trip.

PROCEDURE

Notify ABA that you wish to participate in one the following ways:

• Secure online form

• MAIL
Download and print the form and submit, with check or credit card information included, to ABA State Office, 2180 Parkway Lake Drive, Hoover, AL 35244.

• FAX
Download and print the form and submit, with credit card information, to (205) 982-0015.

Your three year immunity from FCC random inspections can start prior to your actual inspection.

If you have any questions pertaining to compliance or details of this process, contact the ABA State Office at (800) 211-5189. 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.

PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY AGREEMENT IN ORDER FOR THE INSPECTION TO BE SCHEDULED. After receipt of agreement and payment you will be contacted with more complete information by Mr. Wilkins in regards to actual inspection.

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 daytimer, 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 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 is on the SBE National Board of Directors and also serves on the SBE Certification Committee . He is Chairman of the Montgomery SBE chapter and holds CPBE and 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 the ABA at 205-982-5001 to arrange for your inspection.

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