The Program
The CBA Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program will assure radio and television stations that they are in full compliance with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations and grant them immunity from routine inspections for a period of 3 years.
The Inspectors
The inspectors have been contracted by the CBA. Any non-compliance will not be reported to the FCC nor any other governmental agency. However, notice of those stations found “in-compliance,” whether on initial inspection or upon re-inspection, will be forwarded to the FCC regional office. Stations found “in-compliance” by the CBA inspector will then be granted a three (3) year grace period, during which time stations will be exempted from further routine inspections by the FCC. This grace period will apply except in those instances relating to external triggers, such as a formal complaint being filed with the FCC or an order by the FCC in Washington, D.C. for specific or general inspections. The ABIP Inspector is trained in FCC rules, regulations and procedures and may be assigned to inspect AM, FM or TV stations as the need arises.
Special Conditions
- All inspections shall be announced to station management at least 48 hours in advance to ensure that personnel, keys, and field strength meters (at DA’s) will be available. This notice will be the responsibility of the inspector.
- Stations’ field strength meters will be used for AM directional antennas.
- If, after the inspector has provided at least 48 hours’ advance notice to a station, the Inspection cannot be performed due to unavailability of station personnel/keys or equipment failure, the normal fixed rate as listed shall be paid to the inspector and to the CBA. Arrangements for a second inspection will need to be made by the station directly with the CBA, and another full fee for the second visit will apply under those circumstances.
Hold Harmless Agreement
Station agrees that the Colorado Broadcasters Association, its members, officers, board of directors, counsel, and staff shall be held harmless should an official inspection by any governmental agency result in fines, forfeitures, or any other punitive actions. Station further agrees that the CBA independent contract inspector shall likewise be held harmless should an official inspection by any governmental agency result in fines, forfeitures, or any other punitive actions.
2024 Inspection Rates
(scroll down for application)
| Inspection Type | Member Rate | Non-Member Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Single FM | $560.00 | $1,200.00 |
| Single AM (Non-Directional) | $560.00 | $1,200.00 |
| Single AM (Directional) | $800.00 | $1,600.00 |
| Single Translator | $560.00 | $1,200.00 |
| COMBO: AM (Non-Directional) & Co-Located FM | $800.00 | $1,600.00 |
| COMBO: AM (Directional) & Co-Located FM | $1,000.00 | $2,000.00 |
| COMBO: Two Co-Located FM’s | $800.00 | $1,600.00 |
| Single Television Station | $800.00 | $1,600.00 |
Inspection Checklists
AM Broadcast Station Self – Inspection Checklist
FM Broadcast Station Self – Inspection Checklist
FM Translator & Booster Self – Inspection Checklist
FM Low Power Station Self – Inspection Checklist
TV Broadcast Station Self – Inspection Checklist
*The ABIP Program runs in the summer only. The CBA offers it for two consecutive years and does not offer it the third year. Please contact the CBA office with any questions at (720) 536-5427.
SCHEDULE:
Summer 2024 – Program offered
Summer 2025 – Program offered
Summer 2026 – Program NOT offered
ABIP Applications are not currently being accepted. The next round of ABIP inspections will occur spring of 2025.