When may amateur stations transmit information in support of broadcasting, program production, or news gathering, assuming no other means is available?
The correct answer is A: When such communications are directly related to the immediate safety of human life or protection of property. According to FCC Part 97.113(b), amateur stations may transmit information in support of broadcasting, program production, or news gathering only when it's directly related to immediate safety of life or protection of property and when no other means of communication is available.
This is a very narrow exception that recognizes that amateur radio can serve as a last resort for emergency communications when normal communication systems fail. The key requirements are: (1) it must be directly related to immediate safety of life or property protection, (2) no other means of communication is available, and (3) it's truly an emergency situation. This exception does not apply to routine news gathering or program production - only genuine emergencies.
Exam Tip
Broadcasting support = Emergency only. Remember: The only exception is when it's directly related to immediate safety of life or property protection, and no other means is available. This is a very narrow exception.
Memory Aid
"**B**roadcasting **S**upport = **B**lood **S**afety (think 'BS = BS' = Blood Safety, immediate life safety only)"
Real-World Application
A major disaster has occurred, and all normal communication systems are down. A local broadcast station needs to get critical safety information to the public, but their normal transmission facilities are destroyed. An amateur operator, using their station as a last resort, helps relay this life-saving information. This is permitted because it's directly related to immediate safety of life and no other means is available.
FCC Part 97.113(b)Key Concepts
Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: Incorrect. Communications to or from the space shuttle don't create an exception for broadcasting support. This is not a valid exception.
Option C: Incorrect. Non-commercial programming for NPR doesn't create an exception. Amateur radio cannot be used for routine program production.
Option D: Incorrect. There is an exception - when directly related to immediate safety of life or property protection and no other means is available.
题目解析
The correct answer is A: When such communications are directly related to the immediate safety of human life or protection of property. According to FCC Part 97.113(b), amateur stations may transmit information in support of broadcasting, program production, or news gathering only when it's directly related to immediate safety of life or protection of property and when no other means of communication is available. This is a very narrow exception that recognizes that amateur radio can serve as a last resort for emergency communications when normal communication systems fail. The key requirements are: (1) it must be directly related to immediate safety of life or property protection, (2) no other means of communication is available, and (3) it's truly an emergency situation. This exception does not apply to routine news gathering or program production - only genuine emergencies.
考试技巧
Broadcasting support = Emergency only. Remember: The only exception is when it's directly related to immediate safety of life or property protection, and no other means is available. This is a very narrow exception.
记忆口诀
**B**roadcasting **S**upport = **B**lood **S**afety (think 'BS = BS' = Blood Safety, immediate life safety only)
实际应用示例
A major disaster has occurred, and all normal communication systems are down. A local broadcast station needs to get critical safety information to the public, but their normal transmission facilities are destroyed. An amateur operator, using their station as a last resort, helps relay this life-saving information. This is permitted because it's directly related to immediate safety of life and no other means is available.
错误选项分析
Option B: Incorrect. Communications to or from the space shuttle don't create an exception for broadcasting support. This is not a valid exception. Option C: Incorrect. Non-commercial programming for NPR doesn't create an exception. Amateur radio cannot be used for routine program production. Option D: Incorrect. There is an exception - when directly related to immediate safety of life or property protection and no other means is available.
知识点
FCC Part 97.113(b), Emergency communications, Safety of life, Property protection, Broadcasting support
Verified Content
Question from official FCC Technician Class question pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators.