Chairwoman Rosenworcel Initiates Proceeding on Supporting Local Journalism
On November 14, 2023, Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that she has circulated a proposal to the other Commissioners that, if adopted, would begin a proceeding to support local journalism and broadcasters’ commitment to their communities. The details of the proposal are not publicly available.
As described in the announcement, the actual proposal would be quite narrow: prioritizing the processing and review of license renewal, assignment, or transfer applications filed by radio and television broadcast stations that provide locally originated programming. The announcement does not say how this would support local journalism. But Chairwoman Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of acknowledging broadcasters’ “dedication” and “important service to” their local communities.
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If you have any questions about the proposal, please contact one of the attorneys listed on this alert or the Wiley attorney who regularly handles your station matters.
Stephanie Rigizadeh, a law clerk in the Telecom, Media & Technology Practice, contributed to this Alert.
