Discussion between NAB CEO LeGeyt and FCC's Trusty on Ownership Regulations and the Transition to 3.0
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently reviewing its broadcast ownership rules, with public comments due in August, as part of an ongoing process mandated by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. This review aims to reevaluate ownership restrictions in light of current market conditions, technological changes, and economic developments.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) supports the FCC's ongoing review process, emphasizing the pressing need for the Commission to modernize both local radio and television ownership rules and the national TV ownership cap. NAB believes that updating these rules is essential to ensure that broadcasting remains a competitive and meaningful part of the American media landscape.
However, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), an industry group representing consumer electronics interests, has registered its opposition to certain aspects of the NAB's proposals. This opposition includes opposition to tuner mandates for new TV sets during the transition to NextGen TV/ATSC 3.0. The CTA argues that the transition should be voluntary and that tuner mandates would raise the cost of sets for many buyers who are not interested in getting over-the-air broadcasts.
The NAB, on the other hand, has submitted a petition earlier this year for a clear path forward to complete the transition to ATSC 3.0. NAB representatives have also highlighted ongoing efforts by broadcasters to invest in the new technology. In a recent meeting with FCC member Olivia Trusty and staffers, NAB president and CEO, Curtis LeGeyt, stressed the need for FCC action on ATSC 1.0 sunset and other issues to sustain the transition to NextGen TV/ATSC 3.0.
The CTA's stance is not without controversy. Pearl TV consortium, representing a group of broadcasters, argues that TV set manufacturers have a conflict of interest in opposing a speedy transition to 3.0 broadcasts, as they compete with broadcasters for ads and audiences.
The debate between the NAB and CTA is far from over. As the FCC continues its review of broadcast ownership rules and the transition to NextGen TV/ATSC 3.0, more developments are expected to unfold. The public comment period, which closes in August, will provide valuable insights into the perspectives of various stakeholders.
For more detailed information, the full NAB letter, stressing the need for timely, forward-looking action from the FCC, is available online.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering updates to local radio and television ownership rules and the national TV ownership cap, aiming to keep broadcasting competitive and significant in the American media landscape.
- The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has opposed certain aspects of the National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) proposals, such as tuner mandates for new TV sets during the transition to NextGen TV/ATSC 3.0.
- NAB, on the contrary, has petitioned for a clear path forward to complete the transition to ATSC 3.0 and emphasized broadcasters' investments in the new technology.
- The CTA's opposition to a speedy transition to 3.0 broadcasts has sparked criticism from the Pearl TV consortium, which represents broadcasters, claiming that TV set manufacturers have a potential conflict of interest.
- The FCC's review of broadcast ownership rules and the transition to NextGen TV/ATSC 3.0 is an ongoing process, with more developments anticipated as the public comment period, closing in August, gathers valuable insights from various stakeholders.
- For a more comprehensive understanding, the full NAB letter advocating for timely, progressive action from the FCC can be found online.
