NAB has long advocated removal of antiquated restrictions to allow stations to compete more effectively in the modern marketplace. Broadcasters applauded the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) decision to modernize outdated ownership rules in November.
Among other actions, the FCC eliminated its 1975 ban on cross-ownership of a daily newspaper and a radio or TV station in the same market; eliminated the last remnant of the radio/TV cross-ownership rule; retained but reformed the local TV ownership rule to allow common ownership of two TV stations in more markets; eliminated the rule attributing TV joint sales agreements; and approved of a presumption favoring waiver of the local radio ownership rule for broadcasters in certain "embedded" radio markets.
This was an important victory for broadcasters that will foster investment in local news, emergency journalism and popular sports and entertainment programming and will improve service for consumers. NAB will support the FCC in any court challenges to its decision.