[BC] Public File Ideas??? Was Cautionary Tale

[Douglas B. Pritchett]

This thread has morphed into two related topics.
One, regarding how the station in question handled the situation, and
Two, our own concerns and gripes about the Public File.
 
First, like many of you I was both appalled and entertained by how the 
station in question handled the matter. To me, it was a combination of 
ineptness and arrogance. Those responsible for the daily operation of 
the station have no excuse. As for the "higher ups", I was particularly 
incensed that someone who claims to be an attorney would appear to act 
first and worry about the law later. His advocacy for his client is 
commendable, but at the same time, his actions contributed a great deal 
to his client being placed on the hook for a $10,000 federal fine. The 
university would appear to have a prima facie case of defective 
representation if not, clear out and out, malpractice. Having dealt with 
institutions of higher learning as a student, employee, tax payer, and 
consultant, it appears from this case that the arrogance often seen in 
dealing with these people is alive and well. The common attitude that 
the rules don't apply to them because they are somehow doing "the 
greater good" is distasteful and nauseating. I am interested to know 
where the $10K fine will come from. I'm sure their are some alums who 
will question their yearly gift.

About the Public File. No matter how cumbersome and antiquated many feel 
it is, it's still required and, as seen in this comedic soap opera, 
enforcement is not being curtailed. While many people here will complain 
and moan, I don't see anyone doing anything about it. We see something 
similar with a particular Daylight Savings Time issue that pops up from 
now and then. My point is, if we, as broadcasters, want to make a 
change, we need to come together, hash out what we feel would be 
acceptable and then find a lobby to press our point and get the rules 
changed. The NAB, for one, comes to mind. I know they have their warts, 
but we need someone to effectively tell our story and offer a solution.  
Anyone else have a suggestion?
So, the issue is this: Should we be required to continue to keep a 
Public File? Further, if we agree that some sort of File might be 
necessary, what would you keep, what would you discard, and how would 
you make it available in an efficient and cost-effective manner?

-- 
Douglas B. Pritchett
Fort Wayne, IN (really, don't laugh)
wbzq1300 at verizon.net