The article blames management in those sectors, who are most likely afraid to change their procedures without specific guidance. Just the kind of CYA moves one can expect in government “management.” There is a reason you rarely hear rank and file in the federal government refer to their superiors as leadership.
Which stations? Give us some facts so we can complain.
Waiting for specific guidance like you stated is the most likely reason IMO. At least for the last two decades simply doing your job as directed by Congress could get you suspended, fired or put in jail. Seems to be a case of being overly cautious rather than outright insubordination.