The EEO Rule re-codifies the FCC’s long-held requirements that the licensees and permittees of all commercial and noncommmercial AM, FM, TV, Class A TV, low power television (“LPTV”), Low Power FM, and international broadcast stations (i) afford equal opportunity in employment to all qualified persons; and (ii) ensure that no person is discriminated against in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or sex. The Commission has stated that a station that discriminates against minorities or women is not responsive to the needs and interests of the entire community and thus will not be able to fulfill its responsibilities as a public trustee, and that unlawful discrimination raises an issue as to the basic character of a licensee. All broadcast permittees and licensees, regardless of staff size, are subject to the rule requiring them to provide equal employment opportunity and to avoid unlawful employment discrimination.
This Guide is designed to assist stations in charting a course for full compliance going forward, as well as in evaluating their level of past compliance and the risks the station may face when filing its license renewal application.