NAB Urges Congress To Expand Help For Broadcasters In Next COVID-19 Stimulus Package

More Stimulus Help Sought

As Congress considers another COVID-19 stimulus package, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS (NAB) is moving its focus from making sure small and medium market broadcasters could access forgivable SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION loans and tax breaks to expansion of broadcasters' eligibility for relief.

Among the NAB's concerns for the next stimulus package will be modification of the SBA Paycheck Protection Program, the loans funding small business payrolls, and the "distressed sector" loan program. In addition, the NAB hopes to see Congress send advertising dollars to broadcasters, including those reaching minority audiences, for programs needing community outreach, such as the Census, drug and opioid abuse prevention, and election information.

The NAB says, "As Congress enacts additional COVID-19 stimulus and relief measures, it should include provisions that help bring immediate liquidity to struggling local radio and television stations that are needed now more than ever. Without relief, the local journalism and essential public services that broadcasters provide will begin to disappear. Many of these stations -- particularly smaller radio stations -- may never return."

The NAB has established pages at its website to inform broadcasters about what relief they can get from the CARES Act stimulus. Find that help by clicking here.

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