FCC Wants Broadcasters to Increase Commitment on Local Programming - TVWeek

FCC Wants Broadcasters to Increase Commitment on Local Programming - TVWeek - News: "The Federal Communications Commission is quietly unveiling a major new proposal to require broadcasters to step up their commitment to local programming and around-the-clock staffing, while attention focuses on its media ownership vote.

In a report and rule-making announced Tuesday, the FCC for the first time suggested its study of some of the problems stemming from media consolidation and loss of local ownership demonstrated a need for changes, including some in station licensing.

The FCC concluded that all local stations must air local programming, and that better ways are needed to track that local content is being aired, including both local bands on radio and local political debates and coverage on TV. It asked for comments on how to do so."