NAB's Smith, FCC's Genachowski Talk Ownership Diversity

Gordon Smith

New NAB Pres./CEO GORDON SMITH joined other NAB officials in meeting with FCC Chairman JULIUS GENACHOWSKI WEDNESDAY in WASHINGTON.  The NAB's ex parte summary of the meeting says that the group "discussed differing views on the subject of broadcast ownership," with SMITH saying that broadcasters should be allowed to "hold reasonable combinations of media properties so that they can continue to provide programming to meet the needs of the communities they serve," tying the issue to the preservation of "quality journalism."  

SMITH also raised the issue of access to capital, saying that increasing the ability of parties to get financing to buy stations is the "best way to have greater diversity of ownership."

SMITH was joined by NAB Joint Board Chair STEVE NEWBERRY of COMMONWEALTH BROADCASTING and EPP/General Counsel JANE LAGO at the meeting.  Media Bureau Chief WILLIAM LAKE and GENACHOWSKI's Legal Advisor SHERRESE SMITH were also in attendance.

« see more Net News