Congressional Black Caucus Lobby Martin On Localism

Kevin Martin

THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS is putting the heat on FCC Chairman KEVIN MARTIN regarding new localism regulations. Twenty-seven more members of the CAUCUS have sent letters to MARTIN, voicing their displeasure with the additional regulatory burdens on local radio and television stations, raising the letter writing campaign to 28 senators and more than 150 House members.

The latest missive, written by Rep. KENDRICK MEEK (D-FL) and co-signed by Majority Whip JAMES CLYBURN (D-SC), Judiciary Committee Chair. JOHN CONYERS (D-MI) and 23 additional House members, expressed major reservations over proposals to require 24-hour station staffing as well as a requirement forcing many stations to relocate their main studios.

"If adopted, these proposals would impose a significant financial hardship on minority broadcasters, with little tangible benefit to the public," the lawmakers wrote. "We urge the Commission either to reject outright, or significantly modify, these two proposals."

House Energy and Commerce Committee Rep. BOBBY RUSH (D-IL) added his two cents in his own letter, where he declared, "Neither regulation would, in my estimation, promote the cause of localism, but would impose unnecessary and possibly unbearable burdens on local broadcasters."

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