Broadcasters file ex parte regarding ownership rules and diversity in broadcasting

 NAB submitted this ex parte filing with the Federal Communications Commission regarding a meeting in which NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith, NAB Joint Board Chairman Steve Newberry and NAB Executive Vice President Jane Mago met with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and members of his staff.

During the meeting, Senator Smith emphasized NAB's long-standing position in support of modest media ownership reform and reinstatement of the minority tax certificate progam. NAB has long-supported relief from the TV duopoly rule and the elimination of the newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership rule. NAB has also long-supported the reinstatement of the minority tax certificate program, which was eliminated by Congress in the mid-90s. When in effect, the tax certificate program provided tax deferrals on capital gains earned through the sale of media properties to a minority buyer.

Dennis Wharton
Executive Vice President, Media Relations

National Association of Broadcasters
1771 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202 429 5350
www.nab.org