Transition Procedures for Children’s Television Programming Reports
Earlier this year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) made significant changes to its rules governing children’s television programming (or KidVid). Many of these rule changes take effect on September 16, 2019, as explained here. Among the changes is a change in the KidVid reporting requirement from a quarterly obligation to an annual obligation. The FCC recently provided guidance on how stations should report their children’s programming compliance efforts during this transition period.
Third Quarter Report. Stations should file their Third Quarter Children’s Television Programming Report (on Form FCC 2100, Schedule H) by October 10. This will be the last quarterly filing required. However, this report should only include KidVid programming that aired prior to September 16 (i.e., July 1 – September 15). Practically speaking, this means that stations will report only 11 weeks of programming (out of 13 weeks) for the Third Quarter.
Annual Report. Beginning January 30, 2020, stations will be required to file an annual Children’s Television Programming Report. For this first annual report, stations will report KidVid programming that aired between September 16 and December 31, 2019. The FCC will release a new Children’s Television Programming Report to reflect this reporting change prior to the January 2020 deadline.
If you have any questions about the revisions to the children’s television programming rules, please contact the Wiley Rein attorney who regularly handles your FCC matters or one of the attorneys listed on this client alert.
