Without changes to outdated bureaucratic rules, local stations can’t compete with tech giants, and the things you value most about your local TV and radio stations, like news, emergency coverage and live sports, could disappear.
Washington has the power to keep local stations strong by changing the rules that regulate local TV and radio. But we need your help to ensure they take action before it’s too late.
NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt wrote about this issue in an op-ed for The Hill:
Last year, the new chairman of the FCC, Brendan Carr, called this a “break glass moment,” as he implored the commission and Congress to act. I could not agree more. The actions that local broadcasting needs to get a fair playing field are simple and attainable in short order with bold leadership from the FCC and support from Congress.
First, the FCC should the national audience reach cap, which prevents television station owners from serving more than 39% of American households, even as streaming giants reach 100% of Americans. Second, the FCC should modernize the rules that govern how many television and radio stations an owner can offer in one market. Wouldn’t a community be better served by investment in two strong local newsrooms, rather than four under-resourced entities?
Learn how you can help and tell Congress it’s time to level the playing field for local broadcasters at Modernize the Rules.
