Report No.  MM 95-                                                    MASS MEDIA ACTION            August xx, 1995
     
                    FCC GRANTS RENEWAL OF KNPB-TV, RENO, NV
                                        
         The FCC granted the license renewal application for Station KNPB-TV    ,
     Channel 5 Public Broadcasting, Inc., Reno, Nevada.
     
         On September 1, 1993, the Nevada State Conference of the League of the
     United Latin American Citizens and the Las Vegas and Reno/Sparks, Nevada
     Branches of the NAACP each filed a Petition to Deny the renewal application of the
     station.  Both petitions allege that the station failed to employ minorities at the rate
     equal to 50% of their presence in the labor force during three years of the license
     term.  In addition, they contend that the station received few minority applicants, non
     of whom were referred by minority-oriented sources.  Further, they state that few
     minorities were hired for part-time deficiencies suggest that the station has engaged in
     discrimination.
     
         The FCC has investigated and proved that Station KNPB-TV's EEO program,
     employment profile and inquiry response do not raise any question of discrimination. 
     Additionally, the record does not disclose any deficiencies in KNPB-TV's EEO
     program which would warrant a sanction or remedy.  The FCC noted that during
     1992 and 1993, the station employed minorities at a rate that was below 50% of their
     presence in the labor force.  However, under the Commission's EEO Rule,
     broadcasters are required to make efforts to recruit and employ minorities and females
     and to make an ongoing assessment of those efforts, rather than to meet or exceed a
     numerical goal.  In this case, the licensee recruited for each of its vacancies,
     maintained applicant and interview data, and periodically self-assessed.  
     
         Action by the Commission August 21, 1995 by MO&O (FCC 95-368). 
     Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Barrett, Ness and Chong.
     
                                    - FCC -
     
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