Watch a recording of the deep dive into ABIP webinar from March 21st hosted by Larry Wilkins of the Alabama Broadcasters Association.

Shortcut to Download 2024 ABIP Agreement between VAB and Station – revised 3_20_24

How Does The Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP) Work?

ABIP was created around 1989 as a joint project between the FCC and State Broadcasters Associations to aid in making sure all broadcast operations are in compliance and to help stations understand the rules in a one-on-one setting. Under the program, the FCC has entered into a contract with VAB to oversee the ABIP in Vermont. VAB uses Spectrum Investigative Services (SIS), approved by the FCC Field Office in Boston, to conduct the inspections. The inspections are entirely voluntary on the part of the stations. Those choosing to have their facilities inspected under the ABIP fill out a request form with VAB. The inspector contacts the station and sets up a date for the inspection. The inspection date initiates a 150-day grace period that will eliminate a potential visit by the FCC before the ABIP inspection is completed and any issues corrected. Once the inspection is completed, the ABIP engineer will go over any concerns noted with the station Chief Engineer and/or General Manager.  The inspector will create a written report which will outline any items that need to be addressed, along with the procedure for correction. This report will be sent to the station General Manager and/or the Chief Engineer. The results of the inspection are completely confidential in that no one will see the report except station management and engineering. Neither the FCC nor the VAB receives a copy or any other information about the inspection. Once the inspector is satisfied with any corrective measures taken to achieve full compliance, a Certificate of Compliance is signed by SIS and the VAB Executive Director.  The original document is sent to the station for prominent posting and a copy is sent to the Director of the FCC field office. Once the certificate is issued, the FCC will not conduct random inspections of the station for a period of three years. Upon expiration of the three-year Certification of Compliance, the station must be re-inspected if it wishes to have the Certification renewed.

Why Should I Have ABIP Done?

Traditionally, around 100 stations utilize the VAB’s ABIP member benefit because they recoginize the value of having the VAB pay for a certified ABIP inspector to help their station ensure they are compliant with all FCC regulations, which ultimately helps them avoid costly and time-consuming FCC inspections and/or Enforcement Actions.  If non-compliance issues are found, stations are given an opportunity to correct them to earn their Certificate of Compliance. Under this program, a station that is certified to be in compliance is exempt from routine technical inspections by the FCC Enforcement Bureau Field Office for three (3) years. (*Note, ABIP does not exempt stations from “Targeted Tower Safety”, “Complaint” or “Political Broadcasting/EEO” driven FCC inspections.)

How Much Does ABIP Cost?

The VAB will pay 100% of the $500 cost for member stations in good standing (meaning, membership dues have been paid). Non-member stations are also invited to have ABIP inspections done at a cost of $500 per station. Stations may join the VAB at any time to take advantage of this amazing 100% subsidy member benefit, but again, you do not have to be a VAB member to use ABIP.

ABIP Process Step-By-Step:

1.  Download the 2024 ABIP Agreement between VAB and Station – revised 3_20_24

2. Complete and sign pages 5 and 6 of the agreement, scan and email to vab@vab.org. You can also mail it to:

Vermont Association of Broadcasters
4 Carmichael St., 111-106
Essex Junction, VT 05452

3. After the agreement is received, the ABIP Inspector will contact you to schedule a date to conduct the inspection.

3.  ABIP Inspector will review station(s) for compliance on most FCC regulations.  However, they will not review a station’s compliance with EEO regulations or the contents of the station’s political file. Most of the administrative parts of the inspection will be done by email exchange to keep office, studio and face-to-face time down to a minimum.

4.  Station will receive a confidential written report directly from Spectrum Investigative Services.

• If there are no deficiencies, a Certificate of Compliance will be signed and mailed to the station and a copy will be sent to the FCC Media Bureau Field Office.
• If the report finds deficiencies, the stations must correct them before a Certificate of Compliance can be issued.  If a full re-inspection is necessary, it can be done, but the station is responsible for the $500 cost and will get to decide whether or not they want to be reinspected before they are charged.

If you have any questions please contact Wendy Mays at wendy@vermontbroadcasters.org or (802) 233-0296.