Our Legislative Outreach Focus
The NMBA seeks to educate New Mexico's local, state and federal officials along with other community leaders about important broadcast issues. During each state legislative session, the NMBA’s lobbyist, Art Melendres, works on issues such as labor concerns and taxes as well as trends in advertising and retail business.
Working with the National Association of Broadcasters we participate in filings before the FCC, as well as meet with federal, state officials and other decision-makers in matters of concern to New Mexico's broadcast industry. Each February the NMBA Board makes a trip to Washington, DC to visit with the New Mexico Congressional Delegation to raise concerns about issues important to all New Mexico broadcasters.
Some of our current concerns include...
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Promoting Spectrum Policies
that Serve the Public |
In February, President Barack Obama signed into law legislation authorizing the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) to conduct, for the first time, voluntary incentive auctions of spectrum, including broadcast
TV spectrum.
Broadcasters successfully ensured that the law authorizing a spectrum incentive auction provided for entirely
voluntary auctions, and did not harm the viewers who rely on local television by threatening their existing TV
services or impeding new ones. Now, broadcasters are working to ensure that the FCC implements the law as
Congress intended.
It is vital for broadcasters to remain involved and to insist that the FCC adhere to the requirements in the law that aim to preserve broadcast service. NAB will continue to work closely with the state associations and our TV members to safeguard the public’s local television service.
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Oppose a Performance Tax
on
Local Radio Broadcasters |
During the past two Congresses, at the behest of the big record labels, a bill was introduced to impose a
performance fee, or tax, on local radio broadcasters. The Performance Rights Act would have imposed a
devastating new government mandated fee on local stations simply for airing music on the radio – airing the
music that provides free promotion to the labels and performers. A performance tax could financially cripple
local radio stations putting jobs at risk, stifle new artists trying to break into the recording business and harm the
listening public who rely on local radio. To date, no performance tax legislation has been formally re-introduced in
the 112th Congress, although Rep. Nadler (NY-08) recently circulated a draft bill to the same effect.
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| Protect TV Viewers and Allow Broadcasters to
Continue Negotiating in the Free Market |
In response to growing complaints about poor cable service and high rates, Congress passed the 1992
Cable Act, which intended to curb excessive cable rate increases that far outpaced inflation, while promoting
competition in the video marketplace. This act also recognized the right of local television broadcasters to
negotiate with cable in a free market for use of their signals (known as retransmission consent).
Prior to this law, cable operators used broadcast signals without stations’ consent and resold the signals, making
millions. Now local stations may negotiate with cable, satellite and telecommunications companies for the
value of the broadcast signal. Terms can include cash payments, barter (such as channel placement on the cable
system) and advertising on the station. Retransmission consent negotiations are critical to local TV stations’
ability to provide local news, community and emergency information, as well as top-quality entertainment
programming for viewers.
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Equipping Mobile Phones with Broadcast Radio for Emergency Preparedness
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NAB continues to work with the wireless industry, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Congress
to promote the inclusion and activation of radio receivers in mobile devices. For little cost, manufacturers can
include a receiver for broadcast radio in mobile phones, giving consumers a convenient new way to access free
radio service and improving public safety by ensuring that broadcasters’ Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages
and critical information reach the widest possible audience.
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| Preventing Harmful Advertising Restrictions |
Advertising revenue is critical to local TV and radio stations that rely on those dollars to deliver vital news,
emergency information and high-quality entertainment to their communities. As Congress considers initiatives
that impact advertising, it should avoid legislation that burdens free speech and unduly restricts advertising on
which local stations rely.
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