The Enforcement Bureau has two divisions responsible for handling broadcast complaints. The Investigations and Hearings Division [1] is responsible for resolving complaints of non-technical broadcast violations such as complaints alleging broadcast of obscene, profane and/or indecent material, violations of the FCC's rules regarding broadcast of hoaxes, licensee-conducted contests, broadcast of telephone conversation, and public inspection file requirements.
The Spectrum Enforcement Division [2] resolves complaints of technical violations such as unauthorized operation of a broadcast station, violation of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) rules, antenna structure registration, marking and lighting rules, and operation with excessive power or at an unauthorized location.
Types of Complaints
- Broadcast of Obscene, Profane and/or Indecent Material Complaints [3]
- Broadcast of Hoaxes [4]
- Licensee-Conducted Contests [5]
- Broadcast of Telephone Conversations [6]
- Public File Requirements [7]
- Payola and Sponsorship Identification [8]
- Unlicensed Operation of Broadcast Stations [9]
- Emergency Alert System [10]
- Antenna Structure Information [11]
- Broadcast Interference [12]
- The FCC Enforcement Bureau: A Broadcaster's Guide [13]