As we reported last week, members of the Board of Directors and Futures Committee were in Washington, DC, last week representing the industry. We had more than 20 meetings over a two-day period, including meetings with Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. We have already begun to see the impact of our visits.
AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act (S.315 and H. 979): This was a top concern. We were able to reaffirm Senator Schumer’s and Senator Gillibrand’s support for the legislation. The Senate bill (S.315) has 57 cosponsors.
We had very successful meetings in the House. So far, the House bill has 87 cosponsors, including the following members of the New York delegation:
Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]
Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]
Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]
Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]
Based on our meetings, we anticipate a number of members from the NY delegation to cosponsor the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in the coming weeks.
Local Radio Freedom Act Introduced: Once again, we asked members of the New York delegation to oppose imposing a performance fee on free over-the-air radio. So far, the Senate resolution (S. Con Res. 8) has 19 cosponsors.
As we go to the press, 134 members of the House of Representatives have signed the legislation (H. Con Res 12), including the following members of the New York delegation:
Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2]
Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]
Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]
Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]
Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]
Advertising Deductibility: We reminded members of the New York delegation that advertising revenue is essential for stations to continue serving their communities. Accordingly, when addressing upcoming tax issues during budget discussions, advertising must remain 100% deductible in the year it is purchased. We received strong support for this position from all members of the NY delegation. Indeed, Senator Schumer restated his commitment that any change would be made only “over his dead body.” Thank you, Senator Schumer!!!
Modernizing Broadcast Ownership Rules: It appears that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr may commence a proceeding looking at a revision to the TV and radio ownership rules. Because the current rules were enacted in the 1990s, they were designed for a marketplace that did not have any competition from digital services. Given the intense competition from digital and social media services in all New York markets, we asked members of the New York delegation to support the modernization of the rules. This message was well received.
We will keep you updated as the legislative process unfolds. We want to thank the members of the Board of Directors and Futures Committee who took the time out of their busy schedules to represent New York’s broadcasters in Washington. Thank you!