NAB Weighs In on Journalism Competition and Preservation Act

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 11, 2021

In response to Wednesday's introduction of the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith offered the following statement:

"NAB commends Reps. David Cicilline and Ken Buck, Sens. Amy Klobuchar and John Kennedy and their bipartisan cosponsors for reintroducing legislation allowing news publishers such as local broadcasters to collectively negotiate the terms on which their content may be distributed online. For too long, a handful of dominant tech platforms have unilaterally set policies impeding media outlets' ability to reach audiences, attract advertisers and monetize their news content. The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act would afford news producers the ability to negotiate a fair return for their local journalism that serves America's communities. We look forward to working with stakeholders and members of Congress on passing this legislation into law."

Last year, NAB submitted a filing with the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law detailing how digital platforms' overwhelming competitive position puts broadcasters at a disadvantage for advertising revenue and impedes broadcasters' ability to effectively monetize their own content online. More information about NAB's position regarding the impact of technology companies' marketplace power on local journalism can be found HERE

Emily Barr, president and CEO of Graham Media Group, will testify on behalf of local television and radio broadcasters at the Subcommittee's hearing titled "Reviving Competition, Part 2: Saving the Free and Diverse Press" Friday, March 12 at 10 a.m.