The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced the debut of a campaign aimed at persuading the Federal Communications Commission to overhaul its ownership regulations.
A formal campaign comes on the heels of NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt sharing his stance that the current ownership laws are outdated and puts broadcast media companies at a disadvantage to Big Tech organizations.
In an address to The Media Institute earlier this month, LeGeyt opened his speech by calling the ownership regulations currently in place outdated. He emphasized the place that outlets like YouTube currently hold in the media marketplace, sharing his belief that it is an uneven playing field.
“This campaign underscores the urgent need to modernize outdated FCC ownership regulations that put the future of local TV and radio stations at risk,” said LeGeyt in a statement about the launch of the new campaign. “In today’s media environment, local broadcasters must have the ability to grow and compete with Big Tech platforms that operate without similar restrictions.
“As trusted sources of news and information, particularly during emergencies, local stations provide a vital service to their communities,” he continued. “Policymakers must act now to ensure broadcasters can continue serving the public effectively, before it’s too late.”
The campaign will begin as being directed specifically at Washington D.C. policymakers and will also share information with consumers on how to reach out to the White House and the FCC.
Additionally, the campaign launch is planned to coincide with more than 500 broadcasters descending upon the nation’s capital for the NAB State Leadership Conference.
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