35% CAP NECESSARY TO PRESERVE LOCALISM—NASA, NAB TELL FCC
Only independently owned TV network affiliates provide “the best possible service to their local communities” and their ability to continue to do so depends on retention of 35% ownership cap, NAB and Network Affiliated Stations Alliance (NASA) told FCC (CD Feb 5 p5). Stations owned by Big 4 TV networks “must inevitably pursue economic objectives” that aren’t attuned to localism, they said in ex parte letter to all 5 commissioners, 19 FCC staffers and NTIA Dir. Nancy Victory. Experience since cap was raised from 25% by 1996 Telecom Act showed affiliates’ ability to continue to be “principal bulwark of localism is vulnerable,” said letter by NASA Chmn. Alan Frank of Post-Newsweek Stations and NAB Pres. Edward Fritts.
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Timely, relevant coverage of court proceedings and agency rulings involving tariffs, classification, valuation, origin and antidumping and countervailing duties. Each day, Trade Law Daily subscribers receive a daily headline email, in-depth PDF edition and access to all relevant documents via our trade law source document library and website.
“The balance of power between networks and affiliates that protects localism is fragile; above 35%, it quickly will be lost,” letter said. Permitting networks to own more stations would “jeopardize” ability of affiliates to make programming decisions “geared toward local -- rather than national -- interests.” Affiliate preemptions of network programming are down 25%, they said.
Localism also is reason independently owned stations urge relaxation of duopoly rule and other ownership restrictions, NASA and NAB said: “Duopolies make it possible to sustain and enhance local service,” as does common ownership of TV, newspapers, radio and cable.