Legislative Issues

Spectrum

In early 2012, President Barack Obama signed into law legislation authorizing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct, for the first time, voluntary incentive auctions of spectrum, including broadcast TV spectrum. Broadcasters successfully ensured that the law authorizing a spectrum incentive auction provided for entirely voluntary auctions, and did not harm the viewers who rely on local television by threatening their existing TV services or impeding new ones. Now, broadcasters are working to ensure that the FCC implements the law as Congress intended.

Performance Tax

During the past two Congresses, at the behest of the big record labels, a bill was introduced to impose a performance fee, or tax, on local radio broadcasters. The Performance Rights Act would have imposed a devastating new government mandated fee on local stations simply for airing music on the radio – airing the music that provides free promotion to the labels and performers. A performance tax could financially cripple local radio stations putting jobs at risk, stifle new artists trying to break into the recording business and harm the listening public who rely on local radio.

Retransmission Consent

Viewers, local broadcast stations and pay-TV operators all benefit from the retransmission consent process. These negotiations are fair and market-driven, and there is no need to change the process that Congress established and has worked well for two decades. Eliminating broadcasters' ability to negotiate for the value of broadcast signals would mean less choice for viewers and fewer dollars for stations to dedicate to local news, public affairs programming, coverage of emergency weather events and community activities.

Radio-Enabled Mobile Phones

NAB continues to work with the wireless industry, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Congress to promote the inclusion and activation of radio receivers in mobile devices. For little cost, manufacturers can include a receiver for broadcast radio in mobile phones, giving consumers a convenient new way to access free radio service and improving public safety by ensuring that broadcasters' Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages and critical information reach the widest possible audience.

Advertising Restrictions

Advertising revenue is critical to local TV and radio stations that rely on those dollars to deliver vital news, emergency information and high-quality entertainment to their communities. As Congress considers initiatives that impact advertising, it should avoid legislation that burdens free speech and unduly restricts advertising on which local stations rely.