Congress And Broadcasters Policy & Role

In an announcement at the NAB Show, Curtis LeGeyt, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), outlined the policy agenda for the 119th Congress aimed at empowering broadcasters. The discourse, presented during a member town hall, emphasized the pivotal role of broadcasters in their communities and introduced a new NAB website designed to streamline advocacy efforts.

“Broadcasters play a vital role in their communities, from reporting on dangerous weather events to covering local sports and news, and it is truly an honor to advocate on behalf of local stations in Washington,” LeGeyt remarked. He underscored the commitment to securing policies that bolster the functionality of local stations, highlighting efforts to persuade the FCC to overhaul outdated ownership regulations and to maintain AM radio in vehicles, which is essential for public safety.

The newly launched website delineates six key policy priorities crucial for broadcasters:

• Modernizing outdated broadcast ownership rules to enhance competitiveness.
• Ensuring AM radio remains a standard in cars for public safety.
• Supporting the adoption of NEXTGEN TV to protect critical infrastructure.
• Opposing changes that would affect the tax deductibility of advertising.
• Contesting any new performance tax on local radio.
• Safeguarding broadcasters’ investment in local content.

Following the State Leadership Conference in March, the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” has gained significant support, demonstrating a strong commitment from lawmakers. This act, backed by a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate and over 140 cosponsors in the House, aims to keep AM radio accessible in vehicles, a critical component of the national emergency alert system.

In addition, LeGeyt announced a campaign urging the FCC to modernize broadcast ownership rules that currently hinder local stations’ ability to compete with unrestrained digital giants like Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube.

The NAB’s advocacy efforts are crucial as broadcasters navigate the evolving media landscape, marked by challenges from big tech companies and changing consumption patterns. The association continues to call on Congress to enact and support legislation that ensures the viability and progression of local broadcasting, essential for maintaining a well-informed public. For more details on the NAB’s policy priorities and advocacy efforts, visit nab.org/policypriorities.