Commissioner Ajit Pai met with the Pittsburgh PA radio community, underscoring the medium’s role in keeping local citizens informed during times of emergency, repeating his support for revitalizing AM radio and looking for other ways to help the medium.
In particular, Pai mentioned that the Contest Rule, requiring on air broadcasts providing rules and other information, has clearly outlived its usefulness, now that a station’s website providing a much more useful and less programmatically disruptive venue for such information.
He addressed the importance of radio in terms near and dear to the hearts of Pittsburghers, saying, “Like the legendary Steel Curtain, radio serves as an essential line of defense in times of emergency. From the St. Patrick’s Day Flood of 1936 to the flooding that hit Pittsburgh just a few weeks ago, radio has proven itself to be a quick, efficient, and reliable means of getting emergency information out to the public in times of need. When other emergency sources fail, radio comes through. When the 2010 blizzards left over 130,000 people in the Pittsburgh area without power, battery-powered radios gave residents information about clean up, power restoration efforts, and where to go to seek shelter.”
Pai reiterated his support for injecting life into the AM band and said he had an ally in Acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn. “During my time in office, I’ve made it clear that I am a big fan of AM radio. But the AM band is facing significant challenges. Every day it gets harder to pick up a clear AM signal. The percentage of listening done on the AM dial has sharply declined, especially among the young. That’s why I have called for the FCC to launch an AM Radio Revitalization Initiative. We need to comprehensively review our AM radio rules and explore proposals for improving the band.”
Pai continued, “Over the course of the last ten months, I’ve heard great ideas from broadcasters across the country, and now is the time to take action. In recent weeks, I have had very productive discussions with FCC Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn about AM radio. She is a friend to broadcasters, and I am hopeful that we will see progress in the coming months.”
Finally, he expressed his confidence that like the contest rules, there were many others in need of updating, and asked broadcasters to point them out. “I’m sure that plenty other obsolete regulations need our attention, and forums like this are one of the best ways to bring them to light. What other rules does the FCC need to ‘redd up’? All suggestions, big or small, are welcome. No questions are too ‘nebby.’ As you can tell, I am really getting into this Pittsburgh English. These are some of my thoughts, and I can’t wait to hear yours. You bring to the table a wealth of experience from all facets of Pennsylvania radio. Pittsburghers aren’t shy, so I look forward to our discussion. To quote one of America’s favorite fictional radio hosts, Dr. Frasier Crane, ‘I’m listening.’”
RBR-TVBR observation: Pai’s mention of the contest rules can be expanded to include so many other things. In fact, a website posting should apply to just about any kind of disclaimer, with the likely exception of political stand-by-your-ad statements. This would open the door to certain advertising categories and that, more than anything, will help revitalize the medium.
At the end of the day, we thank Commissioner Pai for his interest in radio and commend Acting Chairwoman Clyburn for sharing that interest!
