What is localism and does it still matter?

[Commentary] That's an important question in Washington (DC) where cynics, "public interest" groups and the occasional misguided regulator often mock the role that local TV stations play in providing service to community. Inside the Beltway, the politically polarizing cable networks provide what passes for riveting cocktail conversation for Washington elites. But in the real world -- outside of a few square miles of the DC bubble -- local television reigns supreme as most-watched and most-valued.

The reality is that there’s a strong possibility that many local TV stations in smaller and medium-sized markets will be diminished or forced off the air if federal regulators change the regulatory paradigm in a way that creates added financial pressures. In a world of pay-TV giants -- where just four companies control 79 percent of all pay-TV homes -- localism is fostered by exclusivity and retransmission consent rules that allow broadcasters to remain competitive. So yes, localism matters -- and localism is sustained by revenues that allow broadcast TV stations to produce quality local news and that prevent marquee sports and entertainment programming from migrating to cable and satellite TV. Critical choices are now before the FCC. And yes, the very essence of "localism" and the future of local TV stations that deliver the news and programming Americans turn to the most hangs in the balance. We hope the Commission makes the right choice.

[Kenny is director of public affairs for TVfreedom.org, a coalition of local broadcasters, community advocates, network TV affiliate associations and others advocating for preserving the retransmission consent regime]