Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program

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

  1. All inspections shall be arranged with contacts listed on the station application form at least 48 hours in advance to ensure that personnel, keys, and field strength meters (at DA’s) will be available. Scheduling is at the sole discretion of the inspector.
  2. Stations’ field strength meters will be used for AM directional antennas.
  3. Please understand that inspection times are limited. If you must reschedule an appointment, we respectfully request ten (10) business days notice. Missed appointments, or inspections cancelled without ten (10) business days notice, will forfeit full rate of the inspection. Arrangements for a second inspection will need to be made between the station and the CBA. Another full fee for a second inspection appointment may be required to cover the inspector’s travel and lodging.

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.

2025 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 inspections for two consecutive years and then has a skip year, where the program is not offered. Please contact the CBA office with any questions at (720) 536-5427.

SCHEDULE:
Summer 2025 – Program offered
Summer 2026 – Program NOT offered
Summer 2027 – Program offered

Alternative Broadcast Inspection Application

"*" indicates required fields

IMPORTANT!
Submit one application per station or translator. Multiple stations or translators listed on a single application will be rejected.
Type*
(numbers & decimals only)
(separate multiple IDs with ",")

Address*
(physical location, no PO Boxes)
Time*
(estimated one-way travel time, from station to transmitter site)
:

Station or General Manager's Name*
Chief Operator or Contact's Name*
Inspector may need to text message.
(information to help the inspector with planning.)
[i.e. scheduling conflicts, vacations, site access conditions, COVID safety precautions, etc.]

Agreement

Name*
Date*