NAB Urges Stations to Comment on Localism

Submitted by Benton Foundation on March 7, 2008 - 8:09am

NAB URGES STATIONS TO COMMENT ON LOCALISM
[SOURCE: tvnewsday]
The National Association of Broadcasters has placed a 'Call to Action' on the front page of the NAB Web site, asking both member and non-member stations to file comments with the FCC regarding its localism proceeding. "Now is the time for every broadcaster in America to make sure the FCC understands the extraordinary lengths that stations go to serve our communities," said NAB President-CEO David K. Rehr. "From emergency weather warnings to AMBER Alerts, broadcasters are a lifeline to communities in need. Local stations are also cherished partners with countless charities, raising tens of millions of dollars through on-air fundraising. Broadcasters need to educate the Commission on our efforts, and to make certain that public policymakers get a complete picture of our unparalleled commitment to localism and public service."
http://www.tvnewsday.com/articles/2008/03/06/daily.11/

* The FCC has extended the period for public comment in the localism proceeding: comments are due April 28 and reply comments are due June 11, 2008.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-08-515A1.doc

* FCC Extends Comment Deadlines on Localism Proposals
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6539079.html?rssid=193

* Broadcasters blast FCC localism proposals
The nation's broadcasting lobbyists cheered the Federal Communications Commission's December 18, 2007 decision to relax its newspaper/TV station cross-ownership ban. But station owners and their reps have been far less enthusiastic about tentative FCC proposals announced on the same day to encourage them take their localism obligations more seriously. These include requiring a minimum amount of local programming, maintaining on a bare bones physical presence at each station, and setting up permanent advisory boards for each license. The agency has also asked the public for comment on whether the FCC should take steps to limit station practices like voice tracking—using digital automation rather a live deejay.
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080306-broadcasters-blast-fcc-loc...

* Broadcast Localism: An informed public plays a vital role in helping stations serve local community needs
http://www.benton.org/node/9258