NABOB Urges FCC to Preserve Local Radio Ownership Limits

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 1, 2025

National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB)

The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) has filed reply comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) strongly opposing any repeal or relaxation of the agency's Local Radio Ownership Rule, including its "subcaps" provision that limits the number of AM or FM stations a single entity can own in a market.

The filing comes in response to the FCC's "Delete, Delete, Delete" proceeding (GN Docket No. 25-133), which solicits public input on eliminating outdated or burdensome regulations. Several broadcasters have urged the Commission to roll back ownership limits to better compete in the digital media environment. NABOB argues such changes would cause irreversible harm to Black-owned radio stations and further diminish diversity in media ownership.

"Repeal or relaxation of the Commission's Local Radio Ownership Rule is an issue that NABOB has opposed in each of the Commission's quadrennial ownership rule review proceedings, and we continue to oppose that result," wrote NABOB President James L. Winston.

Citing data from a joint NABOB-BIA study, the group notes that 72% of Black-owned radio stations earn less than $1 million in annual advertising revenue, and that Black Americans continue to be underrepresented in media ownership. As of 2023, Black ownership accounted for just 3% of full-power TV stations, 2% of FM stations, and 4% of AM stations, despite making up nearly 14% of the U.S. population.

The organization warns that eliminating the subcaps rule would accelerate market consolidation, reduce the value of AM stations, and push out smaller and minority-owned operators. NABOB also highlights the critical role Black-owned radio plays in serving African American communities, especially as a trusted source of news and cultural content.

NABOB's comments were reinforced by past statements from major broadcasters including iHeartMedia and Salem Media Group, which have previously cautioned the FCC against relaxing FM ownership limits due to the detrimental impact it could have on AM radio viability.

"Maintenance of the Local Radio Ownership Rule will provide an opportunity for existing Black owned stations, and other minority owned stations, to continue as competitors in the industry," NABOB concluded. "The Commission recognized in the 2018 Quadrennial Review Order that it should make no changes in the Local Radio Ownership Rule. That is still the appropriate conclusion today."