WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over 20 conservative groups and individuals, led by Heritage Action for America, sent a letter today to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr supporting efforts to modernize outdated ownership regulations that negatively impact local TV and radio stations. The letter highlights the need to update “antiquated and harmful” rules that restrict local TV and radio broadcasters from reaching American households while Big Tech companies face no such constraints.
The groups urge the FCC to update regulations to allow local broadcasters to fairly compete with Big Tech, streaming services and social media platforms.
“Americans across the political spectrum agree that burdensome, arbitrary regulations are limiting local TV and radio stations’ ability to compete with Big Tech in the modern media landscape,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “We are grateful for the wide-ranging support to modernize these outdated broadcast ownership rules and echo the call for the FCC to level the playing field so local broadcasters can provide the most-trusted news, live sports and entertainment to every listener and viewer.”
The letter reads, in part:
“By eliminating the national television cap, local TV duopoly restrictions and local radio ownership caps, broadcasters can better achieve the scale and efficiencies necessary to compete – and to attract vital investment – in a fragmented and rapidly evolving information market.”
“We appreciate the leadership you’ve exhibited throughout your career on this important issue. We fully support your efforts to modernize the FCC’s broadcast regulations, and we look forward to seeing the benefits to consumers, communities and public safety as a result.”
Click here to read the letter in its entirety.
Background:
This letter is yet another example of widespread support for modernizing broadcast ownership regulations that unfairly limit local stations’ ability to grow, invest in local journalism and compete for talent, content and advertising revenue. Recently more than 73 members of the House of Representatives, 22 U.S. Senators and several community groups sent letters to the FCC urging action on broadcast ownership restrictions.
Local TV and radio stations are cornerstones of public safety and trusted information, but outdated FCC regulations hold them back. Learn more at: NAB.org/ModernizeTheRules.
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at nab.org.
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