NAB Pushes for Modernized Broadcast Ownership Rules

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 4, 2025 | 10:06am CT

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced key milestones in its effort to convince Congress and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to update decades-old broadcast ownership rules. The group argues that outdated restrictions leave local stations at a disadvantage against global technology companies while jeopardizing free access to trusted news, emergency information, and live sports.

Since launching in April, NAB's campaign has aired nearly 250,000 radio and television spots across 192 media markets, generating more than 1 billion impressions and $43 million in airtime donated by local broadcasters. That exposure has translated into political engagement, with supporters sending more than 174,000 emails and 34,000 tweets to lawmakers and FCC commissioners urging reform.

The campaign's newest messaging emphasizes the risk of losing live sports on free broadcast television. A national survey of likely voters conducted in August found strong bipartisan support for preserving sports on broadcast channels. Among those with a firm opinion, 83% said they preferred games on broadcast over paid streaming, with that preference holding steady across demographics and political affiliations.

"Local stations are serving communities with live sports, trusted local news and life-saving emergency coverage - all available for free to every American," said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. "But outdated rules are shackling these stations from growing and innovating at a time when Big Tech operates with limitless scale and zero public interest obligations. Consumers deserve more - not fewer - local journalists on the ground and live sporting events accessible without a subscription. The FCC must act quickly to level the playing field so broadcasters can continue investing in the content communities rely on most."

The NAB is pressing for regulatory changes that it says will help free, local broadcasting remain competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.