Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Advertisement

NAB Challenges FCC Ownership Restrictions


National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has taken a significant step in its ongoing challenge to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) local radio and television ownership rules by filing an initial brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. The NAB argues that the current ownership restrictions, which have remained largely unchanged for decades, are outdated and fail to reflect the realities of today's highly competitive media landscape.

NAB's Argument for Modernization

In the brief, NAB contends that the FCC's ownership rules are relics of a bygone era, implemented long before the advent of the internet, smartphones, social media, and streaming services. The brief highlights that these rules, initially designed to prevent media monopolies and ensure diverse local content, no longer serve their intended purpose in the current media environment where broadcasters face fierce competition from numerous digital platforms.

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt emphasized the urgency of updating these regulations, stating, "It is long past time for the FCC to modernize its broadcast ownership rules; these are relics from a bygone era, created before the internet, smartphones, social media and streaming. NAB's brief succinctly demonstrates to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit that the FCC has failed to justify that these rules remain necessary to serve the public in light of the immense competition broadcasters face in today's media marketplace."

The Legal Challenge

The consolidated petitions filed by Zimmer Radio of Mid-Missouri Inc., the ABC Television Affiliates Association, and other intervenors argue that the FCC's decision to retain and even tighten these ownership restrictions is contrary to Congress's intent in the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Act aimed to foster competition and reduce regulation in the broadcast industry, mandating the FCC to periodically review and modify or repeal any ownership rules that are no longer in the public interest.

The NAB brief criticizes the FCC for its narrow definition of competition, which excludes non-broadcast media sources such as streaming services and cable. According to NAB, this outdated perspective ignores the significant market shifts and competitive pressures that broadcasters currently face.

Impact on Broadcasters

The brief also details the adverse effects of the FCC's ownership rules on broadcasters, particularly those operating in smaller markets. It argues that the current rules prevent broadcasters from achieving necessary economies of scale, diversifying their programming, and attracting essential advertising revenue. The inability to merge or acquire additional stations hampers broadcasters' capacity to invest in local news and community-oriented programming, ultimately disadvantaging the public they serve.

Call for Action

The NAB is calling on the court to vacate the FCC's current local radio and television ownership rules, arguing that the Commission has not provided a reasoned explanation for maintaining these regulations in light of the contemporary media landscape. The brief urges a modernization of these rules to reflect the competitive dynamics of the 21st-century media marketplace.

As the case progresses, broadcasters and media stakeholders will be closely monitoring the court's decision, which could have far-reaching implications for the future of broadcast media regulation in the United States.

For further information on the filing, the detailed arguments, and the potential impact on the broadcasting industry, you can refer to the full brief submitted by the NAB and other petitioners by clicking here.

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

Jack Speer Retires from NPR After More Than 25 Years
Jack Speer
Jack Speer
NPR's longtime newscaster Jack Speer has announced his retirement, closing a chapter on a career that spanned more than a quarter-century and left an enduring mark on public radio journalism. Speer, whose steady presence and clear delivery became a familiar voice to millions of listeners, joined NPR in 1998. More

KMBY to Celebrate 90th Anniversary with Birthday Bash
KMBY-AM & FM in Monterey
KMBY-AM & FM in Monterey
One of Monterey Bay's most enduring broadcast institutions, KMBY (1240 AM and 106.7 FM), is turning 90 -- and the station is inviting the entire community to celebrate the milestone with a two-day birthday party next weekend. The festivities will take place at KMBY Studios at 651 Cannery Row, Monterey, on More

Amanda Lee Joins KJ103 Morning Show in Oklahoma City
Amanda Lee
Amanda Lee
iHeartMedia has announced that Amanda Lee will be the new morning co-host for KJYO (KJ103) Oklahoma City. Effective immediately, Lee joins hosts TJ and JRod for the newly rebranded "TJ, Amanda, & JRod in the Morning." In her new role, Lee will help guide listeners through the morning with a mix of current More
Advertisement

Lil Shawn Power Joins Party-FM as First On-Air Host
Lil Shawn Power
Lil Shawn Power
Q-Broadcasting's Party FM has adds its first air personality, bringing longtime local radio figure Lil Shawn Power to the afternoon lineup. The bilingual Rhythmic CHR outlet, which airs on WONQ-AM (1030) Oviedo-Orlando and FM translators W230AL (93.9) and W278CN (103.5), had been operating jockless since its More

Joe Bullard Departs 96.1 Jamz After Nearly Three Decades
Joe Bullard
Joe Bullard
Longtime Tallahassee radio personality Joe Bullard has unexpectedly parted ways with WHBX-FM (96.1 Jamz), reports WCTV-TV, ending a remarkable run that spanned nearly 30 years on the Cumulus Urban AC outlet. Bullard's final day on the air was June 17, according to a statement from his family. There was no More

iHeartPodcasts Launches ''American History Hotline''
''American History Hotline''
''American History Hotline''
iHeartPodcasts has launched a new original series titled American History Hotline, a weekly show hosted by musician and history enthusiast Bob Crawford. The podcast debuts today with two inaugural episodes that take listeners on a deep dive into some of the most curious and critical moments in U.S. history. More

Return to Menu

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free.

Advertisement

Advertisement