Eliminating Main Studio Rule Harms 'Marginalized' Says Free Press
The proposals in the FCC’s NPRM on eliminating the main studio rule would “disproportionately harm marginalized groups,” said Free Press in comments filed Monday in docket 17-106. The proposed rule changes would allow “broadcast conglomerates” to move resources away from…
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“struggling communities” and “centralize broadcasting facilities and staff in wealthier metropolitan areas,” Free Press said. The rule helps to hold local stations accountable to the public interest, Free Press said. “Technological development is not a reasonable replacement for physical main studios, and competitive market conditions alone will not protect communities if the main studio rule is eliminated,” the filing said. Other filings posted in the docket show overwhelming broadcaster support for eliminating the rule. We Are One Body Catholic Radio and Presence Radio Network said the rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act, and Kona Coast Radio said the rule has led to smaller markets being denied broadcast service. The main studio rule “subsidizes the commercial real estate industry,” said Bryan Broadcasting, Honey Creek Broadcasting, Point Broadcasting and Canyon Media in joint comments.“The requirement for a physical main studio is a remnant of another era in broadcasting and in commerce generally, when all communications took place in person,” the joint filing said.