WASHINGTON, D.C.—The radio industry may be significantly impacted by the FCC's intention to eliminate two longstanding cross-ownership rules, according to Womble Bond Dickinson Telecom lawyer John Garziglia.
Garziglia writes about the proposed ownership rule changes in a new Radio Ink column. Currently, the FCC's newspaper/broadcast cross ownership rule generally prohibits radio stations and daily newspapers from having the same ownership in the same market. Similarly, the FCC also generally prohibits radio and TV stations in the same market from sharing ownership.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai is proposing that both rules be scrapped. The FCC will discuss the issue at its Nov. 16 meeting.
Garziglia writes, "The significant marketplace change for radio that will occur as a result of the elimination of the cross-ownership rules will be that, without regard to market size, a local radio station owner will be able to purchase the daily newspaper and television station, or the local daily newspaper and/or television station will be able to purchase the local radio stations. Or if neither happens, the local radio station owner may watch as the daily newspaper and television station combines with his or her radio competitors."
Click here to read, "What Pai's Ownership Rule Announcement Means To You" in Radio Ink.
John Garziglia represents radio and television broadcasters, offering personalized assistance in all areas of communications and telecommunications law including transactional and contract negotiations for broadcast station mergers and acquisitions, the securing of financing, governmental auctions of new frequencies, license renewals, new stations applications, facility changes, facility upgrades, licensing, and compliance with FCC rules, regulations and policies.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.