FCC Commissioner Trusty Outlines Her Approach to Broadcasting

In remarks at the NAB convention, FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty outlined her approach to broadcast regulations.  Specifically, she outlined her definition of the public interest standard as it applied to broadcasters. She noted the importance of local broadcasting, the competitive challenges it faces, and reminded stations of their  public interest responsibilities.  She concluded:

“If the FCC gets the policy framework right, supporting broadcasters, while ensuring accountability to the law, FCC rules, and longstanding legal doctrine, I believe broadcasters themselves could serve as the “angels of the public interest,” delivering trusted information, connection, and service to the local communities that rely on them.  Achieving that distinction will require continued work ahead to empower broadcasters to compete on a level playing field while cementing an unwavering commitment to serve the public interest both now and in the future.”

In the speech, Commissioner Trusty recognized the importance of localism and serving as a trusted source of news and information.  She also recognized the economic challenges confronting broadcasters.  For example, she noted that half of the local newsrooms are not profitable.  Commissioner Trusty referenced the Media Bureau’s examination of sports on broadcasting:

"Indeed, more than 8,000 people have submitted comments at the FCC — with 98 percent of those comments expressing frustration with the streaming migration trend and their hope that broadcast will remain the pre-eminent platform for watching their favorite team.  Getting broadcast policy right includes empowering broadcasters to respond to this widely felt consumer need and ensure broadcasters’ continued ability to serve local communities not only through sports but other programming, as well."

On balance, Commissioner Trusty addressed a fundamental tenant of broadcast regulation.  She noted the words of former FCC Chairman Michael Powell:

"Of course, public interest duties come with a corresponding responsibility for the FCC.  As Chairman Powell explained when he appeared at the NAB Show in 2004, if broadcasting is treated differently under the First Amendment and public interest framework, then that difference carries implications for how the Commission’s policy should treat broadcasters’ role in the marketplace.  As he put it, “Either you’re different and the difference justifies government support in ways that we don't support other industries in the economy, or you’re not.”

Commissioner Trusty’s speech is well worth reading.  It is an excellent speech outlining her approach to defining the public interest and broadcast regulation.

You can see Commissioner Trusty’s speech here.