Broadcasting Sector Lead Outlines Key Demands for Regulation and Operational Support
Livin' It Up in Las Vegas: The Broadcaster's Battleplan for the 119th Congress Unveiled
Sin City played host to some serious policy talk recently, as NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt spilled the beans on broadcasters' agenda for the 119th Congress during a town hall meeting at the NAB Show. With a zeal rivaling any high-rolling gambler, LeGeyt listed six key priorities, topping the list with modernizing outdated broadcast ownership rules, and tossing in next-gen TV for good measure.
"Broadcasters are the backbone of their communities, Keepin' folks in the know about everything from nasty weather to local sports and news," said LeGeyt, lionizing the roles of local stations. "We're fiercely protective of these lifelines, urgin' the FCC to modernize ownership regulations, savin' AM radio in vehicles, and fightin' for policies that'll let local stations keep doin' what they do best."
LeGeyt also announced the launch of a new NAB website, an advocacy power tool that broadcasters can wield like a golden ticket when lobbyin' policymakers.
Here's a breakdown of the six priorities that'll have the broadcast industry buzzin' in Washington:
- Rule Benders: Modernize antiquated broadcast ownership rules to allow stations some much-needed competition.
- AM on the Road: Keep AM radio in vehicles to maintain public safety, ensuring that emergency alerts and warnings reach wide audiences.
- Next-Gen TV Takeover: Support the implementation of Next Gen TV, offering improved emergency alerts, picture quality, and interactive features.
- No Performance Tax: Prevent a new performance tax from squashin' local radio stations and threatenin' jobs, new artist opportunities, and the millions of listeners who dig the free, local airwaves.
- Protect the Investment: Guard local broadcasters' investment in local content, makin' sure they can keep deliverin' the goods to their communities.
- Workforce Innovation: While not strictly legislative, the NAB is also sizin' up the future of media work, hostin' forums on leadership, new technologies, and the evolving media landscape.
Following a successful state leadership conference in March, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act has garnered a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate and over 140 cosponsors in the House. The NAB's also been pushin' for the FCC to modernize outdated broadcast ownership regulations.
So, swing by nab.org/policy priorities and catch up on the NAB's stance on the hottest issues impactin' local stations. And remember, when it comes to priorities, these six are the real deal. Now go forth and spread the word, broadcast buddies!
- The Broadcaster's agenda for the 119th Congress, presented by NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt, includes modernizing outdated broadcast ownership rules and embracing Next Gen TV technology.
- LeGeyt emphasized the importance of local broadcasters, stating they are the lifeline of their communities, providing essential news, sports, and weather updates.
- Broadcasters can utilize a new NAB advocacy website as an effective tool in lobbying policymakers, much like a golden ticket.
- The NAB's six key priorities include rule modernization, preserving AM radio in vehicles, Next Gen TV implementation, preventing a performance tax, protecting local content investment, and addressing workforce innovation.
- With a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate and over 140 cosponsors in the House, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act has gained significant momentum.
- The NAB continues to push for the FCC to modernize outdated broadcast ownership regulations, aligning with their goal of allowing broadcasters some much-needed competition.
