NAB Calls For Modernized Broadcast Ownership

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is urging policymakers to modernize federal broadcast ownership regulations, arguing that outdated rules could threaten the ability of local stations to keep live sports free and widely accessible.

In a recent blog post, NAB Director of Communications and Social Media Grace Whaley pointed to growing concerns about how live sports rights are distributed as audiences increasingly encounter games scattered across multiple streaming platforms.

The discussion follows comments from Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) questioning current regulations governing sports broadcasting, as well as a recent public notice from the Federal Communications Commission seeking feedback on sports rights and the evolving media marketplace. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency is looking to better understand how industry changes affect consumers and the ability of local television stations to continue delivering news, information and other programming.

According to NAB, broadcast television continues to play a major role in delivering major sporting events to mass audiences without requiring paid subscriptions. The organization argues that restrictive ownership rules limit broadcasters’ ability to compete for sports rights against global streaming platforms and technology companies that are not subject to the same regulatory limits.

The association also emphasized the broader role local TV and radio stations play in their communities, including providing local journalism, emergency information and widely accessible entertainment. NAB contends that allowing broadcasters greater scale would help them remain competitive and sustain those services as the media marketplace continues to evolve.

NAB said it welcomes continued discussions with policymakers and industry stakeholders about potential changes to the rules that would allow broadcasters to compete more effectively while maintaining their public service role. Read the entire blog post here.