4-17-2012
Ownership was a big topic buzzing around the halls at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Tuesday, and right on cue, the NAB has filed comments with the FCC asking the commission to further deregulate the industry. The NAB says the marketplace is so much more competitive than it was in 1996, and that's a strong argument to loosen things up. By law, the FCC must revisit the law and part of the process is to take comments from the public. The NAB has taken the position that the caps should be lifted and cross-ownership restrictions should be abolished. Here are the highlights from the NAB filing.
"Retention of the current local ownership caps cannot be justified under section 202(h). Local radio stations are competing against a multitude of audio platforms for audiences and advertising revenues, and this competition is only increasing. Because competition in the local audio marketplace is robust and the existing restrictions do not serve the Commission's competition, localisom, or diversity goals, the rules must be repealed or modified. The record contains no evidence that justifies retention of the local ownership rules in their current form or otherwise. Given the growth of Internet-based platforms, podcasting, satellite radio, and various mobile audio devices, it is illogical and arbitrary to consider only radio broadcast stations in defining the relevant market, particularly because radio broadcasters compete with these alternatives for audience share and advertising revenue in local markets."
And, on owning radio and newspapers in the same market, the NAB also asks for deregulation. "The record clearly demonstrates that newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership restrictions are no longer necessary in the public interest as a result of competition and should be repealed. Decades of evidence submitted in this and prior proceedings demonstrate that increased cross-ownership of newspapers and broadcast outlets supports the FCC's localism and other public interest goals. The NAB goes on to say that the newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership rule is not necessary to promote competition."
(4/18/2012 11:06:17 AM)
The best thing for a free Capitalist society is a totally free market where morality and fairness is in the heart of the investors and communities that benifit of suffer the consequences of foul play and selfish behavior.
(4/18/2012 9:48:50 AM)
Give translators permanent status,many owners are are now paying a premium for translators which sometimes represents a sizable investment. Also,eliminate the stupid requirement for an AM station to restrict its simulcast FM translator 60 db contour within the AM 2mV contour. Interference to other license facilities should be the only consideration. The current rule does not allow for maximum utilization of the spectrum.
(4/18/2012 9:31:02 AM)
((The public does not want it, yet greed won out in 1996 and just look at the damage done in market after market.))
there are at least five whole people (here) who mostly refer to themselves in the third person that believe EVERYONE doesn't want it. they (you) must be part of the borg.
I wasn't aware there were any regulations left to deregulate in broadcasting? Here is something the FCC can do to create done radio jobs: require large local clusters to be staffed 24/7! If you have 4,5,6 or more stations under one roof you can afford to have one body in the building at all times. God forbid a radio station have someone on duty after 5pm.
(4/18/2012 8:08:05 AM)
It's kinda like when Wal-Mart tries to come to town. Most (rational) people know the consequences, (that it puts Mom and Pop LOCAL businesses out of business), and they scream in droves to their elected officials "NO WAY...WE DON'T WANT ANOTHE WAILING WAL OF MART." Yet some elected bureaucrat driven by greed for two-cents more (net) in sales tax revenue goes against the local citizens and plops down anothe Wal-Mart. And such is the case for further deregulation of the public airwaves. The public does not want it, yet greed won out in 1996 and just look at the damage done in market after market. Bean-Counters replacing broadcasters with little to no regard for the "Public Interest." Voice-tracking into Market A from Market B, this driving up the unemployment rates across America. Do the people in YOUR home-town really want to go down this misguided, dead-end road once again? It certainly wasn't in the best interest of ADVERTISERS, LISTENERS,or the EMPLOYEES at radio stations across America in 1996. Hey Ed, Hey Eric, how about some true reporting on the carnage over the past 15-years since deregulation?
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