“While we do not take a position on the merits of this or any particular broadcast transaction, it is essential that the FCC’s regulatory processes are fair and predictable so that broadcasters can innovate and invest in their stations to the benefit of communities across the country.”
That’s the response from NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt to the FCC’s 3-2 approval along party lines to allow Audacy Inc. to emerge from debtor-in-possession status by getting foreign ownership waivers and putting Soros Fund Management in the position of lead interest holder in the company founded as Entercom.
While the NAB “is pleased” to learn that the FCC approved Audacy’s reorganization plan, LeGeyt warned, “Make no mistake, broadcasters and our current and potential investors continue to watch the Commission closely. To ensure a vibrant future, we need a transparent, fair and predictable regulatory process for broadcast license transfers and renewals — devoid of politics — that allows local radio and television stations a fair chance to compete for the investment capital that is necessary to continue serving the public. Without it, the vital services local stations provide for free to all is in jeopardy.”
In contrast, Grant Spellmeyer, the President/CEO of ACA Connects, which represents small and independent MVPDs, used the DirecTV/Dish proposed merger to again rail against broadcast TV station owners when it comes to retransmission consent disputes.
“Today’s merger announcement by DirecTV and DISH only serves to confirm what we already knew – the traditional multichannel video business continues to erode. Yet, cable programmers and television broadcasters continue to seek to extract every last cent from pay-TV subscribers through punishing carriage fees while shifting premium content to platforms that compete with cable and satellite operators,” Spellmeyer said. “If federal agencies want to preserve a competitive, fair, and vibrant video marketplace for American consumers, they must address the abusive practices of programmers exploiting an outdated business model.”
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