Broadcasters Fight Localism Rules

Broadcasters and their supporters are reacting with fierce opposition to two Federal Communications Commission moves designed to make stations more accountable on airing local programming. In comments and letters filed with the FCC, the broadcasters suggest the agency went too far last year in first requiring stations to immediately provide more details on their local programming and then proposing a series of additional steps to give the local community a bigger role in license renewals. In the face of new Internet competition, the FCC should be easing rules, not stepping backwards to increase restrictions, the stations say. “There is a genuine concern that if these rules are passed, it could cause a massive disruption to the economics of our business and not accomplish what the FCC hopes to accomplish,” said Dennis Wharton, executive VP of media relations for the National Association of Broadcasters. “The only franchise we have is localism. If broadcasters are not serving the community, they won't be in business long.”
http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/06/broadcasters_fight_localism_ru.php
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