Broadcast and Media

Wilkinson Barker has a wealth of experience in the broadcast industry derived from its long history of representing television and radio clients in transactional, policy, and regulatory matters.  The firm’s broadcast clients include commercial and noncommercial broadcasters, and range from large and well-established media companies and investment funds to small and mid-sized businesses, some of which are newly formed. The firm also represents major broadcast trade associations.

Wilkinson Barker assists broadcast clients in navigating FCC regulatory compliance issues and the myriad of technical and operational rules relating to the industry.  The firm’s representation includes matters such as:  working with licensees on the transition to digital television and radio; facilitating the television and radio license renewal process; providing counsel on channel allocation matters, facility modifications and station licensing; defending against enforcement actions and petitions to deny FCC applications; representing clients in complaint proceedings; counseling regarding the Commission’s auctions process; advising with regard to contests, advertising and promotional issues; and assisting clients on EEO audit and compliance matters.

In the policy arena, the firm participates in all major media rulemaking proceedings, including matters addressing such issues as national and local media ownership, the FCC’s initiatives regarding localism and enhanced public interest obligations, the digital television transition, and the establishment of rules for digital radio.  The firm also represents clients in court appeals of FCC media policy decisions.

Wilkinson Barker has extensive experience in transactional matters for media clients, including complex acquisitions and mergers involving multi-station, large-market television and radio properties as well as small market stations.  Our attorneys negotiate and draft agreements for asset and stock acquisitions, mergers, equity investments, debt financings and other business transactions affecting programming, syndication, and station services.  The firm brings substantial expertise to the structuring and formation of corporations, partnerships, joint ventures, and limited liability companies on behalf of both broadcasters and media investors.

In addition to its broadcast experience, the firm also provides counsel to multichannel video programming distributors, including wired and wireless cable television systems, private cable systems and DBS carriers. Examples include advising clients on FCC and Copyright Office requirements that apply to carriage and distribution of video programming; cable franchising regulations and processes; rights of entry to customer property; and rights of access to poles, conduits and other rights-of-way.  The firm also counsels clients on transactional issues associated with acquisitions and sales of cable television, wireless cable and other MVPD systems.  Wilkinson Barker has assisted clients in developing alternative platforms for distribution of their content and has provided counsel on broadband network management issues.  The firm’s content distribution expertise, along with its knowledge of broadband and mobile wireless regulation, provides an invaluable tool to clients who must continually adapt to the converged media environment.