Report No. DC 95-123       ACTION IN DOCKET CASE            October 6, 1995


        COMMISSION WAIVES RULES TO PERMIT UNATTENDED OPERATION OF 
               BROADCAST STATIONS; UPDATES BROADCAST STATION
              TRANSMITTER CONTROL AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
                          (MM DOCKET NO. 94-130)

     The FCC has waived its rules in order to permit unattended
operation of broadcast stations and to update broadcast station
transmitter control and monitoring requirements.

     Specifically, pursuant to Section 318 of the Communications
Act of 1934, as amended, the Commission waived the requirement
fro duty operators at broadcast stations.  Further, the
Commission eliminated the need for station operators (where
optionally employed) to hold the Restricted Radio Telephone
Operator Permit (RP); and updated the rules relating to
transmitter monitoring to bring them up to date with respect to
the capabilities afforded by modern electronic technology.

     The Commission noted that in many areas of broadcast
operation, automation is seen as affording more accurate and
controlled operation than that performed by humans. 
Additionally, unattended operation is seen as permitting the more
effective use of financial resources to enhance other station
operations and services.  Such operations, the Commission stated,
is seen as potentially improving the viability of financially
marginal stations.

     The Commission stated that the new Emergency Alert System
(EAS), unlike the EBS, is designed for automatic operation and
therefore does not require human involvement.  However, because
of the numerous petitions for reconsideration of the EAS Report
and Order, the availability of EAS equipment has been delayed. 
The Commission believes it should afford licensees the maximum
possible latitude in satisfying present EBS and future EAS
responsibilities, having in mind the ingenuity that can often be
brought to bear in resolving such problems.  

     Accordingly, the Commission will permit unattended operation
in advance of implementation of the EAS, provided that licensees
implement an effective method of complying with current EBS 

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requirements and responsibilities.  The Commission cautioned
licensees that the implementation of an informal method or 
methods of automating the EBS is not a substitute for
implementation of the EAS.  The Commission encouraged licensees
who currently participate in local EBS alerts to continue to do
so through whatever means they may employ to partially or fully
automate their EBS functions.

     Action by the Commission October 2, 1995, by Report and
Order (FCC 95-412).  Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello,
Barrett, Ness, and Chong.

                                   -FCC-

     News Media contact: Patricia A. Chew at (202) 418-0500.
     Mass Media Bureau contact: Jim McNally at (202) 776-1671.