NYSBA Files to Relax Radio Ownership Rules
- The New York State Broadcasters Association
- Apr 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 29
Yesterday, NYSBA filed additional comments in the FCC’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” proceeding. While supporting comments were filed previously by NAB and the State Broadcasting Associations, NYSBA focused on the need to change existing broadcast ownership rules.
We supported the NAB’s position regarding the elimination of the FCC’s national TV ownership rules. The rules were adopted in the 1990s, long before competition from digital platforms. There is simply no need for national ownership caps.
While we supported NAB’s position to eliminate the local radio ownership rules in the smallest radio markets, we believe this should extend to all radio markets. The latest version of the local radio ownership rules were enacted in 1996, long before there was any competition from digital platforms. The fundamental change in the marketplace applies to all radio markets. Accordingly, we noted:
“Given these concerns, NYSBA supports NAB’s proposal to eliminate the local radio ownership rules for markets 75 and above. For the reasons stated below, NYSBA believes the FCC should go further and eliminate the local radio ownership rules not just for the smallest markets, but in all radio markets. New York is uniquely situated to address this issue as it has both very large and very small radio markets.”
Of course, we recognize that the FCC must consider the unique aspects of both AM and FM radio. AM radio serves as the foundation for the Emergency Alert System. The power levels assigned to various classes of FM stations mean that it is a very local service. The same is true for AM, which included very localized AM daytime stations.
Importantly, the “Delete, Delete, Delete" proceeding simply sets the table for subsequent FCC rulemakings. Thus, the FCC will have to start a future rulemaking to consider both the TV and radio ownership rules. Nonetheless, we believe it was necessary to place the issue of radio ownership deregulation on the table.
You can see NYSBA’s comments here.
