NRB Non-Com Rule Idea Supported By FCC Chair

Advocates For Non-Coms

The NATIONAL RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS (NRB) noted TODAY (10/3) that it applauded FCC Chairman JULIUS GENACHOWSKI for directing the FCC MEDIA BUREAU to "move forward" with a rule change for non-commercial broadcasters.  The announcement was made TODAY at an FCC field hearing titled "The Information Needs of Communities."

NRB has advocated for many years to change the waiver process for non-commercial broadcasters, in order to allow a non-com to spend up to 1 percent of its annual on-air time raising funds for third-party non-profit groups recognized under IRS code 501(c)(3).  NRB SVP/General Counsel CRAIG PARSHALL gave testimony at today’s hearing and was present when the announcement was made.

"It remains to be seen exactly what the new rule will look like, and what proceedings if any will be necessary to implement these changes,” said PARSHALL.  "Still, this is a tremendously positive development, and a remarkably logical step forward in energizing non-profit, faith based groups that will now be able to partner on-air with non-commercial Christian stations to raise funds without the burden of outdated rules that have made such partnerships a difficult if not impossible task."

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