This week, NRB weighed in on a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proceeding regarding the rules that govern Low Power Television (LTPV) stations.
In a comment voicing the views of NRB members, NRB challenged the Commission’s new and excessive regulations and argued that they “risk regulating independent LPTV operators into oblivion.” Read the full comment here.
“Some of these proposals stretch and contort rules that once contributed to a competitive business environment into roadblocks for business as usual,” NRB commented. “This NPRM indicates an outlook of ‘managed decline’ rather than optimism for the future. If the intended outcome is to do away with LPTV entirely, burying it in a cascade of paperwork, filing obligations, restrictions, and scrutiny of non-germane details would be an effective approach (and indeed, it seems the Commission is intent on it).”
In particular, NRB contended that:
- Online public file requirements generate excessive and unnecessary burden on broadcasters
- The Commission should increase its restrictive maximum relocation limits and remove excessive regulatory obstacles
- Stringent community of license requirements would harm, not help, accessibility for viewers
- LPTV minimum operating hours and written program logs fail to serve the public interest
- LPTV operators should retain the ability to move freely between LPTV and translator status
- The FCC should prioritize viewpoint diversity over DEI principles
NRB thanks all those who provided stakeholder input on this issue. The comment period for this proceeding closes on July 29. The reply comment period will continue for an additional 30 days, through August 26.
NRB Public Policy participates in the agency rulemaking process to represent the interests of our members and advocate for a favorable business environment for broadcasters. With membership including numerous owners and operators of primarily religious, noncommercial LPTV stations, NRB will continue to monitor this issue and advocate for its members affected by this NPRM.