Reply Comments: Local Content NPRM Offers Weak Incentives
The FCC should enforce public interest requirements on broadcasters if it wants to encourage local programming, said Common Frequency and Pacifica Network in a joint reply to comments filed in docket 24-14 on an agency NPRM on prioritizing application processing…
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for broadcast stations that offer local content (see 2403120071). The FCC’s proposal is likely insufficient to encourage local programming on its own and the agency hasn’t denied a license renewal on public interest grounds in 30 years, the joint filing said. “Is there even a definition regarding a station ‘not operating in the public interest’ nowadays?” said Common Frequency and Pacifica. “Respondents believe this question needs to be answered as a precursor to even approaching the subject matter of the NPRM.” NAB and NPR reiterated that the FCC’s proposal would be ineffective. “As to public radio, the incentive offered in the NPRM is weak,” NPR said. The “lack of connection” between the goal of promoting local journalism and prioritizing review of “a very small subset” of applications shows “the expanding disconnect” between the FCC’s actions and the forces motivating broadcasters, NAB said. The three hours per week of local programming requirement proposed in the NPRM is a “very low bar,” but incentivizing any local content is positive, said MusicFirst Coalition and the Future of Music Coalition in a joint filing. The groups “would be thrilled to see a local DJ spinning records for a few hours per week at any station that would otherwise fail to air” local programming, the filing said.