TAB delegation advances Radio, TV issues with DC lawmakers

A 15-member TAB delegation is in DC today and tomorrow advocating on four key federal policy concerns affecting local radio and TV stations. Discussions range from music royalties and retransmission consent to the coming TV spectrum repack and the tax deductibility of advertising costs.

TAB will meet with 35 of Texas’ 38 members of Congress in about a day and a half. The aggressive agenda reflects somewhat of an embarrassment of riches as Texans hold six committee chairmanships and several seats on multiple committees that oversee the telecommunications industry.

Texas continues to have more co-sponsors for The Local Radio Freedom Act introduced by Texas Reps. Mike Conaway, R-Midland, and Gene Green, D-Houston, but TAB continues to press the issue with lawmakers that have not yet signed onto the resolution.

Spectrum repack issues include the FCC’s questionable 39-month timeframe for completion and an anticipated shortfall in the $1.7 billion TV relocation fund intended to reimburse the remaining TV stations for costs related to the spectrum auction.

All TAB member station GMs are encouraged to review the issue summaries and talking points so you can address your concerns when meeting with members of Congress.

Questions? Contact TAB's Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.