NAB Calls for Modernization of Radio Ownership Rules

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, April 14, 2025

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)

In a push to modernize broadcasting regulations, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has submitted a detailed proposal to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), urging a comprehensive overhaul of the local radio ownership rules. This move comes as part of the FCC's "Delete, Delete, Delete" initiative, which seeks public input on regulatory reforms in line with recent executive orders promoting deregulation and efficient governance.

NAB's filing, a robust document accompanied by a lengthy appendix, outlines the constraints that outdated regulations impose on local broadcasters. According to NAB, these regulations not only hinder investments in local journalism but also put broadcasters at a competitive disadvantage against unregulated digital platforms, ultimately affecting their ability to serve community needs effectively.

Curtis LeGeyt, President and CEO of NAB, emphasized the urgency of the reforms. "The FCC's rules need to reflect the current media landscape, not one that existed decades ago," LeGeyt stated. He highlighted the potential of these reforms to revitalize local media outlets by allowing them greater flexibility in ownership and operations.

At the heart of NAB's recommendations is the call to eliminate or significantly relax the local radio ownership rules, which they argue are relics of a bygone era. These rules currently restrict the number of stations a single entity can own in a given market, which NAB claims is stifling growth and investment in the sector.

Furthermore, the filing addresses several other regulatory areas where NAB believes changes are necessary. These include the elimination of certain paperwork burdens that do not benefit the public, and reforms to outdated children's television programming rules, among others.

NAB also suggests that the FCC should focus on facilitating the industry's transition to ATSC 3.0, the next-generation broadcast standard that promises better quality and more interactive content for viewers. According to NAB, removing barriers to this transition is crucial for keeping broadcast technology on par with digital platforms.

The "Delete, Delete, Delete" initiative represents a critical opportunity for the broadcasting industry to align its regulatory environment with the realities of the digital age. NAB's comprehensive response to the FCC's call for comments is a bold statement on the need for regulatory agility to ensure that broadcasters continue to thrive and serve their communities effectively.

The FCC is currently reviewing these comments and is expected to make decisions on these proposals in the coming months. The outcome could significantly impact the broadcasting landscape, potentially ushering in a new era of growth and innovation for local radio and television stations across the country.