John F. Garziglia: A Leading Communications Attorney
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11140 Glade Dr, Reston, Virginia, United States 20191
Description:
Biography of John F. Garziglia: A Leading Communications Attorney
Introduction
John F. Garziglia is a renowned American attorney with over three decades of expertise in communications law, particularly in the radio and television broadcasting sectors. Recognized as one of the nation’s top broadcast station lawyers, Garziglia built a distinguished career representing clients ranging from major publicly traded corporations to small-market broadcasters. His work at Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP and its predecessor firms, coupled with his prior roles at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and in the broadcasting industry, established him as a pivotal figure in shaping regulatory policies and advancing AM radio revitalization. Now retired, Garziglia’s legacy in communications law continues to influence the industry. This biography explores his history, education, services, and unique value proposition.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 16, 1950, in Washington, D.C., John F. Garziglia developed an early passion for radio, which would shape his professional trajectory. His academic journey began at St. Louis University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1972. During his time at St. Louis University, Garziglia immersed himself in the college radio station, spending more time on-air than in classes, a testament to his deep-rooted enthusiasm for broadcasting. This hands-on experience as an on-air talent and program director laid the foundation for his industry insight.
Following his undergraduate studies, Garziglia pursued legal education at Washington University in St. Louis, earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1979. Admitted to the District of Columbia Bar in the same year, he became a member of Phi Delta Phi, a prestigious legal honor society, reflecting his academic excellence. His educational background, combined with practical broadcasting experience, uniquely positioned him to bridge the gap between legal expertise and industry needs.
Career History
Early Career in Broadcasting
Before entering the legal field, Garziglia’s love for radio led him to professional roles in the industry. He worked as an on-air talent and program director at radio stations in St. Louis and Washington, D.C. These roles provided him with firsthand knowledge of the operational and regulatory challenges faced by broadcasters, which would later inform his legal practice. His time in the industry gave him a unique perspective, distinguishing him from peers who lacked such practical experience.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Garziglia’s legal career began at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), where he served in two key roles:
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Attorney-Advisor, AM Branch (1983–1984): In this capacity, he processed AM radio station assignment and transfer applications, gaining deep insight into FCC regulations.
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Trial Attorney, Hearing Branch, Mass Media Bureau (1984): This role further honed his expertise in communications law, particularly in regulatory compliance and licensing.
His tenure at the FCC equipped him with an insider’s understanding of the regulatory framework governing broadcasting, which became a cornerstone of his private practice.
Private Practice at Womble Bond Dickinson
In 1984, Garziglia transitioned to private practice, joining Pepper & Corazzini before spending the entirety of his 36-year legal career with Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP and its predecessor firms. Based in Washington, D.C., he became a leading figure in communications law, representing radio and television broadcasters across a spectrum of legal needs. His client base ranged from large, publicly traded broadcasting corporations to small, local stations, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the industry.
Garziglia’s practice focused on:
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Transactional Negotiations: Facilitating broadcast station mergers, acquisitions, and financing.
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FCC Compliance: Assisting with license renewals, new station applications, facility upgrades, and regulatory adherence.
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FCC Auctions: Guiding clients through auctions for new frequencies.
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AM Radio Revitalization: Leading efforts to enable AM stations to acquire FM translators, significantly enhancing their reach and viability.
His work earned him accolades, including recognition as one of the Best Lawyers in America (2018–2020) by Woodward/White, Inc., and as one of the broadcasting industry’s top ten attorneys by Radio+Television Business Report in Fall 2019. He was also a trusted voice in the industry, frequently contributing articles to publications like Radio Ink, Radio World, Inside Radio, and Communications Daily.
Advocacy and Industry Impact
Garziglia’s influence extended beyond client representation. He played a pivotal role in shaping broadcasting policy through advocacy and legislative efforts:
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AM Radio Revitalization: He spearheaded industry efforts at the FCC to allow AM stations to acquire FM translators, enabling over 1,000 AM stations to expand their reach during the 2010s FM translator filing windows. This initiative was critical in helping AM broadcasters remain competitive in a digital age.
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FCC Rule Changes: Garziglia proposed and successfully prosecuted rule changes that allowed FM stations to upgrade to Class C3 and Class C0 power levels, enhancing their signal strength and coverage.
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Legislative Contributions: He drafted and prosecuted an amendment to the Communications Act, enabling daytime-only stations to expand to 24-hour service through international negotiations creating the AM expanded band.
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NABPAC Trustee: As a trustee for the National Association of Broadcasters Political Action Committee (NABPAC), he protected and promoted the broadcasting industry’s legislative agenda.
His thought leadership was evident in his frequent speaking engagements at conventions hosted by organizations such as the National Association of Broadcasters, New Jersey Broadcasters Association, Tennessee Association of Broadcasters, and others, where he addressed critical issues affecting the industry.
Retirement
In December 2020, after nearly 40 years of service, John Garziglia retired from Womble Bond Dickinson. Reflecting on his career, he expressed hope that he had left the broadcasting world in a better place, stating, “It has been an honor to represent clients in an industry I’m so passionate about.” His retirement marked the end of an era, but his contributions continue to benefit broadcasters. Womble Bond Dickinson ensured a seamless transition by onboarding experienced telecom attorney Reid Avett to lead its broadcast practice.
Services Offered
Throughout his career, Garziglia provided a comprehensive suite of legal services tailored to the broadcasting industry:
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Broadcast Station Mergers and Acquisitions: Negotiating contracts and securing financing for complex transactions.
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FCC Licensing and Compliance: Ensuring adherence to FCC rules, regulations, and policies, including license renewals and new station applications.
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Facility Upgrades and Changes: Advising on technical upgrades, such as power level increases and frequency changes.
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FCC Auctions: Guiding clients through competitive bidding for new frequencies.
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AM and FM Translator Support: Assisting AM stations in acquiring FM translators to enhance coverage.
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Regulatory Advocacy: Representing clients before the FCC and advocating for policy changes to benefit the industry.
His services were characterized by personalized assistance, leveraging his deep industry knowledge and regulatory expertise to deliver tailored solutions.
Value Proposition
John Garziglia’s value proposition was rooted in his unique blend of legal acumen, broadcasting experience, and regulatory insight. Key elements included:
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Industry Expertise: His background as a broadcaster gave him an unparalleled understanding of the operational and regulatory challenges faced by radio and television stations.
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Tenacious Advocacy: Known for his relentless commitment to clients, Garziglia was described as a “tenacious, industry-knowledgeable counselor” who brought significant value to client endeavors.
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Regulatory Influence: His work at the FCC and subsequent advocacy efforts shaped policies that benefited the entire broadcasting industry, particularly AM stations.
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Trusted Thought Leader: As a frequent writer and speaker, Garziglia provided actionable insights on complex issues, from FCC compliance to the implications of controversial programming. For example, his 2018 Radio Ink article explored whether racist, homophobic, or sexist content could jeopardize a station’s license, highlighting his ability to address timely issues.
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Client-Centric Approach: Whether representing large corporations or small-market broadcasters, Garziglia prioritized delivering measurable results, earning trust across the industry.
His ability to combine legal expertise with a passion for broadcasting made him a go-to resource for clients seeking to navigate the complex regulatory landscape of communications law.
Legacy and Recognition
John Garziglia’s contributions to the broadcasting industry were widely recognized:
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Best Lawyers in America (2018–2020): Honored for his excellence in communications law.
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Top Ten Attorneys by Radio+Television Business Report (2019): Acknowledged for his leadership in the field.
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Frequent Contributor: His articles in Radio Ink, Radio World, and other publications provided critical guidance to broadcasters.
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Industry Advocate: His leadership in AM radio revitalization and FCC rule changes left a lasting impact on the industry’s competitiveness and sustainability.
Upon his retirement, Inside Towers noted that Garziglia had built a reputation as a leader in the field, while Radio & Television Business Report highlighted his journey from college radio to one of the nation’s most respected communications attorneys.
Personal Interests and Retirement
While Garziglia’s professional life was defined by his dedication to broadcasting and law, his early years in radio suggest a lifelong passion for media and communication. In retirement, he has expressed an interest in spending more time listening to the radio, reconnecting with the medium that sparked his career. Based in Reston, Virginia, Garziglia remains a respected figure whose work continues to influence the broadcasting landscape.
Conclusion
John F. Garziglia’s career as a communications attorney exemplifies the impact of combining passion, expertise, and advocacy. From his early days in college radio to his influential tenure at the FCC and Womble Bond Dickinson, he dedicated his professional life to advancing the interests of broadcasters. His contributions to AM radio revitalization, FCC policy changes, and industry thought leadership have left an indelible mark. Although retired, Garziglia’s legacy as a tenacious advocate and trusted counselor endures, making him a pivotal figure in the history of American broadcasting law.
