Despite its program of random audits of radio, TV and cable EEO, the Federal Communications Commission has been criticized for ostensibly weak enforcement since establishing its current EEO program a decade ago. The industry has responded that its performance is compliant and so corrective action is rarely needed.

In what may be intended as a signal to the industry, and to placate its critics, the FCC has just imposed fines and reporting conditions on two broadcast clusters in relatively small markets. The nature of their lapses suggests areas of concern and a possible tightening of at least one applicable standard.