Local Broadcast Stations to Press FCC for Modernized Streaming Rules
Local broadcast stations from across the country have joined forces to create an advocacy group that will press the Federal Communications Commission and lawmakers over what it calls the need to modernize regulations to enable them to stream their content.
“The Coalition for Local News,” which is backed ABC, NBC, FOX and CBS television affiliate associations and represents more than 600 local TV stations across the country, is arguing that access to streaming will “protect the future of local news in America.”
“As the most trusted source of news for Americans, local news broadcasts provide timely coverage of important issues and events, emergency weather service, and access to lifesaving information,” the group said in a statement. “The future of local broadcast news is threatened by regulations that need to be modernized and government inaction in exercising existing authority to protect the ability of local news outlets to compete. “
Most notably, the organization pointed to what it calls the “streaming loophole” in current FCC rules, which requires cable and satellite providers, but streaming services like Hulu+LiveTV, YouTubeTV and Paramount+ are not required to negotiate with local broadcasters for carriage of their stations. The rule was put in place in 1992, well before streaming began to take over much of home entertainment.
Today, local stations that are affiliated with the national broadcast networks to carry the their programming can also see said networks take control their distribution rights and negotiate with streaming services in their stead. The Wall Street Journal reported that this allows the networks to pocket fees for the locals’ content, and “leaves stations with much less money than if they had cut their own deals.”
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