Technologie i telekomunikacja · 01/12/1998

Revision of Broadcast and Cable EEO Rules and Policies

In this Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM), the Commission proposes new broadcast and cable Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) rules and policies. The NPRM proposes to retain the existing ban on discrimination and to promulgate recruitment-oriented outreach rules. The proposed EEO rules make clear that broadcasting and cable entities, including multichannel video programming distributors, are not required to employ a staff that reflects the racial or other composition of the community or to use racial preferences in hiring. The NPRM also proposes to streamline the Commission's broadcast EEO requirements, while, at the same time, maintaining an effective broadcast EEO program. These proposals include the possibility of granting administrative relief to small broadcasters and crediting joint recruitment efforts. Finally, the NPRM terminates the Commission's EEO streamlining proceeding in MM Docket No. 96-16, 60 FR 9964, March 12, 1996, with the exception of the one petition for reconsideration filed in that docket, which will now be considered in this proceeding. The intended effect of the NPRM is to invite comments on all aspects of the Commission's proposals and on the Commissio