Local TV broadcasters closer to relief from controversial FCC rule

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt’s (R-MO) legislation protecting local TV broadcasting companies from a controversial rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) passed through the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation last week.

The bill grants protection to local television broadcasters holding Joint Sales Agreements (JSAs) approved by the FCC before implementation of the rule on March 31, 2014, when the FCC decided JSAs violated its media ownership rules and banned them. 

JSAs are defined as financial arrangements negotiated between local TV broadcasters where one station sells advertising time for another. The use of JSAs has grown in popularity, particularly among broadcasters in small- and medium-sized markets. The financial savings realized under these agreements has resulted in more diversity and localism in programming, and better competition within these markets.

“Joint Sales Agreements have played an important role in giving TV broadcasters the tools they need to keep their TV stations running,” Blunt said. “(They) increase program diversity, and enable local news programming for many stations in Missouri and nationwide. For example, JSA enabled a Joplin, Missouri station to upgrade its Doppler radar system, which helped save lives during the devastating tornado of 2011. I’ll continue working with my colleagues to ensure citizens in rural areas are able to get their news and stay informed.”

The legislation was originally introduced in May, with Sens. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joining Blunt as co-sponsors.