NAB: Radio Is Not More Homogenous

NAB chief Eddie Fritts reacted to the Feingold bill on radio by saying, “The 1996 Telecommunications Act has strengthened the ability of radio to better serve listeners, and we strongly dispute claims that radio has
grown more homogenous in recent years.”
He said separate studies show that radio format diversity is far greater now than six years ago, and said Spanish stations in the U.S. now number more than 600, up from fewer than 400 in 1996.
“Moreover, through the collective efforts of stations from Boston to Boise, local radio stations generated $7 billion in public service last year. That alone should be reason enough for Congress to let flourish a communications medium that is free, local and reliable.”