NAB, NPR On Opposing Sides Of FCC Local Programming Initiative

The FCC has proposed prioritizing licensing and application procedures for radio stations that dedicate at least three hours per week to locally originated programming. This proposal has sparked debate about its potential impact and effectiveness. Let’s delve into the opposing viewpoints:

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB):  The NAB strongly opposes the FCC’s proposal. They argue that it fails to incentivize broadcasters to provide more local journalism or generate other locally originated content. According to the NAB, the proposal overlooks the economic and competitive realities that influence broadcasters’ programming decisions. The NAB emphasizes that broadcasters have a unique obligation to offer free services to the public. They contend that the proposal will not effectively boost local journalism or programming.

Challenges faced by broadcasters include high costs and diminished advertising revenues due to the proliferation of digital media. Instead of complicating the application review process, the NAB urges the FCC to adopt policies that enhance broadcasters’ ability to compete and invest in local content.

National Public Radio (NPR): NPR supports the FCC’s goal of enhancing local journalism but expresses concerns about the proposal’s impact on public radio stations. Public radio plays a significant role in delivering local content, especially in rural and underserved communities. However, NPR believes that the proposal offers little support for public radio stations. NPR recommends that the FCC develop more tailored incentives and consider reducing regulatory burdens to encourage local content from public radio licensees.

Other Perspectives:

• The musicFIRST Coalition and Future of Music Coalition support the FCC’s proposal, viewing it as a step toward fostering local engagement.
• Despite concerns raised by KLOVE and Air1 Christian music noncomm networks parent Educational Media Foundation, musicFIRST sees the proposal as a straightforward method to encourage a minimal level of local programming engagement.