NYSBA Goes to DC Next Week

There will be no NewStream next week as the NYSBA will be in Washington, DC, to meet with members of the New York Congressional delegation. 

 As we go to press, we have meetings scheduled with the following offices: 

• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer

• Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

• House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries

• Rep. Elise Stefanik

• Rep. Tim Kennedy

• Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez

• Rep. Nick LaLota

• Rep. Paul Tonko

• Rep. Adriano Espaillat

• Rep. Grace Meng

• Rep. John Mannion

• Rep Tom Suozzi

• Rep. Claudia Tenney

• Rep. George Latimer

• Rep. Josh Riley

• Rep. Dan Goldman

• Rep. Joe Morelle

• Rep. Nick Langworthy

• Rep. Mike Lawler

• Rep. Ritchie Torres

• Rep. Pat Ryan

• Rep. Garbarino

We will be advocating for the enactment of the AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act.  The House bill (H.R. 979) has 317 cosponsors, including 22 members of the New York Congressional delegation.  The Senate bill (S.315) has 60 cosponsors, including Sen. Gillibrand and support from Minority Leader Schumer.  This legislation needs to be brought to the Senate and House floor for a vote.

We will also express our strong support for the Local Radio Freedom Act (House Con. Res. 12).  This congressional resolution opposes the imposition of a performance tax on local stations.  It currently has 222 cosponsors, including 12 members of the New York delegation.  The Senate resolution (S. Con. Res 8) has 25 cosponsors.  

Modification to the broadcast ownership rules will also be on our plate.  Both the local radio ownership rules and the National TV ownership rules were adopted in the 1990’s, long before there was competition.  These issues are currently being examined by the FCC.  If we are to compete with big tech, and continue to provide local news and public affairs, these rules must be modified.

We also plan to discuss the importance of NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0). This new transmission system will bring local television into the 21^st century. It is an IP based system that will allow local stations to provide mobile, data and other services.  

We want to take this opportunity to thank members of the NYSBA Board of Directors and Futures Committee who will be coming to Washington to speak on behalf of the broadcast industry in New York.