NABPAC: Donating Is A Matter Of Survival

[Commentary] If you are an owner or manager of a television station, you need to write a check to the National Association of Broadcasters Political Action Committees (NABPAC).

TV broadcasting is a highly regulated business. The actions (or inactions) of Congress, the FCC or other federal agencies have a profound impact on the value of stations, how profitable they are and how much everybody gets paid. These days, they may also determine whether more jobs will be slashed. So, it's imperative that you try to shape those actions any which way you can. One way is by supporting the NAB. Most broadcasters do with their dues and, in many cases, their time. The association's boards and committees comprise owners and top managers.

Another critical way is by contributing to NABPAC. Most broadcasters don't. The PAC has been sorely underfunded for years — a fact that has weakened the NAB in all that it is trying to do in Washington on your behalf. In fact, it's become something of an embarrassment for the industry. Broadcasting isn't keeping up with its media neighbors. By making legitimate contributions to campaigns coffers, NABPAC, like other PACs, can reward members of Congress who stand up for broadcasting and open doors to others who hold key committee chairs and leadership positions. Without plenty of NABPAC funds to spread around, NAB can't play in the big leagues of Washington. It's kind of like the Cincinnati Reds trying to win the NL flag on their paltry player budget. Not impossible, but also not likely.