…and Be Visible at The FCC

Broadcasters also discussed pending regulatory issues and decided to keep up visibility at the FCC on the satellite repeater topic. Although Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio, as well as the commission, have said the terrestrial repeaters needed for clear reception of the satellite service will not transmit local programming, NAB is not convinced. It believes there is a loophole in the temporary repeater rules that would allow Sirius and XM to carry local programming.
NAB also opposes changing how the FCC defines radio markets for the purposes of what “counts” when applying its ownership rules and possibly changing the local ownership limits. NAB intends to provide evidence to the commission that consolidation has led to an increase in program diversity.