Broadcasters 'Entirely Unaware' of Filings Supporting Geotargeted Radio

Radio broadcasters represented by broadcast attorney Aaron Shainis wrote the FCC to say they were unaware that comments had been filed on their behalf in support of the geotargeted radio proposal backed by GeoBroadcast Solutions, according to filings posted Wednesday in docket 20-401. Shainis has an ownership stake in GBS (see 2209270064). “The undersigned local radio broadcasters were entirely unaware of our participation in this proceeding and did not knowingly consent to having our name included on such filings,” said a letter signed by the presidents of Falls Media and Q-Media Group. Two other radio broadcasters, Pikes Peak State College and Ranchland Broadcasting, asked the FCC to disregard the pro-Zonecasting filings in their name “because they do not accurately reflect our views.” Shainis said in an interview that officials at all four broadcasters had given their permission for the comments filed on their behalf either verbally or in writing, and that he disclosed his ownership interest. Shainis said his firm sent out letters years ago to many of their clients asking for their support, explaining the GBS technology, and disclosing Shainis’ stake. “They probably don’t remember, it was years ago,” Shainis said. In some cases, permission was obtained from predecessors and different company officials from those who wrote the FCC Wednesday, he said. He said several clients contacted him in recent weeks to say they no longer support geotargeted radio. Shainis said the local broadcasters are under “tremendous pressure” from NAB and their state broadcast associations to oppose GBS. The letters Wednesday were filed by the Texas and Colorado state broadcast associations rather than the individual broadcasters. Shainis said Wednesday he doesn’t believe the withdrawals of support will lead to the FCC rejecting geotargeted radio. “The technology should speak for itself,” he said. 'It is shameful how low the NAB, through its Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President, Rick Kaplan has sunk," said Shainis in a letter to the FCC filed Wednesday in response to the broadcaster filings: "All comments filed were done with the full authorization of all parties." The FCC should vote on the geotargeted radio rulemaking "and not be distracted by the erroneous assertions of a desperate NAB and the state broadcast associations it is unduly influencing," Shainis wrote. The NAB didn't comment. The FCC didn't comment.