Does the FCC Chairman Value Local Broadcast TV?

[Commentary] The fate of local television is now before the Federal Communications Commission.

The agency is currently reviewing public input on whether it should maintain its broadcast exclusivity rules, which protect the right of local broadcast TV stations to enter into exclusive contracts for the distribution of network programming. Content -- and the right to protect it -- is at the heart of local broadcasting. Without it, cable and satellite TV providers would be free to bypass local TV stations and distribute ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and Univision signals from New York City on a nationwide basis – eviscerating the local news and local advertising that communities rely on today. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has a choice: Does he support broadcast exclusivity rules that have allowed America to have the most vibrant and successful system of local broadcasting in the world? Or does he believe local broadcast TV is not important to tens of millions of viewers across this country? The choice is his.

[Kenny is the director of public affairs for TVfreedom.org]