The FCC’s EEO rules require broadcast stations to engage in specific non-vacancy outreach efforts. Every two years, stations that have more than 10 full-time employees and are not located in a “smaller market” must engage in at least four of the initiatives on the menu, and stations that are located in a “smaller market” or have five to ten full-time employees must engage in at least two of the initiatives. Stations with fewer than five full-time employees and religious broadcasters who apply religious qualifications to all employees are not required to engage in any menu option activities. For purposes of the FCC’s EEO rules, a “full-time” employee is one who works 30 or more hours per week.
For Virginia television stations, the current two-year period in which to complete these EEO “menu options” ends June 1, 2020. (Virginia radio stations are currently in the middle of their two-year period, which will end June 1, 2021.)
