Emmer forms bipartisan Congressional Broadcasters Caucus

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) is the co-founder of the new bipartisan Congressional Broadcasters Caucus.

“I am proud to co-chair this important caucus and further the conversations about how to support this vital industry,” said Rep. Emmer, who established the group with co-chair and co-founder U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA).

Prior to their elections to Congress, Reps. Emmer and Boyle served as on-air talent on local broadcast radio. Rep. Emmer previously co-hosted a morning talk show on KTLK-AM in Minneapolis, while Rep. Boyle was a sports analyst for his college radio broadcasts.

“As a former radio show host, I have seen firsthand the impact that local broadcasts can have on the community,” Rep. Emmer said on Tuesday. “When they get in their cars every morning to head to work, we’re the voice that starts their day. When they return home every evening, local stations provide updates on the day’s events. Local broadcast journalism informs and connects our communities.”

The Congressional Broadcasters Caucus will be a resource to educate members of Congress about broadcast-related issues and the national importance of local radio and television stations, according to information provided by Rep. Emmer’s office.

The mission of the caucus will be focused on discussing and solving issues of importance to the broadcast community, specifically local broadcast radio and television stations, as well as other forms of broadcast journalism.

Rep. Boyle noted that the broadcast community “plays an incredibly important role” in local communities. “From hazardous weather updates to the latest news on health issues, our national broadcast community uses the airwaves to keep our country safe and our economy moving forward,” he said.

The caucus is supported by the National Association of Broadcasters and the Minnesota Broadcasters Association.