Local broadcast TV’s integral role in American culture

[Commentary] Imagine a world where your primary news source is dominated by national pay-TV networks. A consolidation and concentration of news eliminating the ability of television viewers in small town USA to turn to their trusted local TV broadcasters for breaking news, severe weather updates, school closings and emergency alerts and warnings. Could this possibly happen? That’s what’s at stake as Congress looks to modernize the nation’s communications laws for the 21st century.

As Congress moves forward with its media and video reform agenda, it’s crucial for lawmakers to factor in what’s needed to help advance the principles of localism for the benefit of America’s television viewers. After all, local TV stations rely not only on advertising sales to sustain their business, but revenue generated from programming deals reached with pay-TV providers to redistribute their content via retransmission consent. Are federal regulators prepared to set a bright regulatory line for their engagement in what today are otherwise recognized as highly successful private business negotiations between companies? For the sake of local communities across America, let’s hope not.

[Robert Kenny is director of Public Affairs for TVfreedom.org]