Author Names:
Christopher R. Martin and Bettina Fabos
Activity Objective:
Students will learn about the main studio rule and analyze its effects on local radio.
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What is the main studio rule?
When FCC Chairman Ajit Pai took the helm of the FCC in January 2017, he made it clear that he would “take a weed whacker” to existing FCC regulations. One important rule that the FCC voted to eliminate in 2017 was the main studio rule.1
The main studio rule required each AM, FM, and television broadcast station to maintain a main studio located in or near its community of license. The FCC also eliminated any requirement that a main studio have full-time management staff present during normal business hours, and that it have program origination capability.
What is the main studio rule?
What is this rule about, and how will it affect the radio industry and radio programming? Discuss the following questions in class. Write down notes in the box below each question as you prepare for your discussion.
Use the space below to answer the following question.