Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Advertisement

NABOB Urges FCC to Preserve Local Radio Ownership Limits


National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB)
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to the FCC's "Delete, Delete, Delete" proceeding (GN Docket No. 25-133), which solicits public input on eliminating outdated or burdensome regulations.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."

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks to Depart After 6 Years
FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks
FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks
FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks officially announced his resignation during Thursday's open meeting, concluding a nearly six-year tenure as the Commission's senior Democratic member. His departure shifts the agency into a Republican majority, with Democrat Anna Gomez now the sole non-Republican on the More

Bengals, iHeartMedia Cincinnati Extend Radio Partnership
Cincinnati Begals
Cincinnati Begals
The Cincinnati Bengals and iHeartMedia Cincinnati have announced a multi-year extension of their radio broadcast partnership, ensuring that fans can continue to hear every play of Bengals football through the 2028 NFL season. Bengals games will continue to air on one of the most powerful "triple-cast" setups More

iHeart, NPR, Audacy Hold Top Podcast Spots in April
Triton Digital
Triton Digital
Triton Digital has released its U.S. Podcast Ranker for the April 2025 reporting period (March 31-April 27), highlighting continued dominance by leading networks and the debut of several new shows, including a notable first appearance by the BBC. The iHeart Audience Network More
Advertisement

MediaCo Reports Significant Q1 2025 Revenue Growth
MediaCo
MediaCo
MediaCo Holding reported financial results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2025, showcasing a substantial year-over-year revenue increase, primarily driven by the full integration of Estrella Broadcasting's assets. The company posted revenues of $28.03 million, a significant rise from $6.71 million in More

WHLD to Become WUSW Under Shula's Radio One Buffalo
Radio One Buffalo
Radio One Buffalo
Talk WHLD-AM in Niagara Falls-Buffalo will soon broadcast under new call letters. Buddy Shula's Radio One Buffalo announced that the FCC has approved the change to WUSW, effective June 1. The format has not yet been announced, but the branding shift suggests a patriotic theme or a More

KMOX Stays On Air to Deliver Coverage During Tornado Strike
KMOX-FM in St. Louis
KMOX-FM in St. Louis
As a powerful EF-3 tornado tore through the western suburbs of St. Louis last weekend, KMOX-FM remained a critical source of information and comfort to residents, thanks to the swift action of its staff and engineers. With storm clouds looming and emergency alerts escalating, KMOX engineer Kyle Hammer 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