Question T1F10
From subelement T1 - T1F
Who is accountable if a repeater inadvertently retransmits communications that violate the FCC rules?
Why is this correct?
The control operator of the originating station is accountable because they initiated the transmission that violated FCC rules. Under Part 97, the control operator is responsible for ensuring all their transmissions comply with regulations, even when those transmissions are retransmitted by automatic systems like repeaters. The repeater is simply an automatic relay - it cannot judge content legality. Responsibility stays with whoever created the original violating communication.
Memory tip
Remember the chain of responsibility: whoever speaks first owns the consequences. Repeaters are automatic relays that can't make legal judgments about content - they just pass signals along. The accountability always traces back to the human operator who originated the problematic transmission.
Learn more
In practical operation, this rule protects repeater owners from liability for content they cannot monitor 24/7. However, if a repeater's control operator becomes aware of rule violations, they must take action to prevent retransmission. This creates a balanced system where originating stations maintain transmission responsibility while repeater operators handle technical compliance of their equipment under Part 97 emission standards.
Think about it
Why do you think the FCC places accountability on the originating station rather than requiring repeater operators to monitor all retransmitted content?