Summary of Commissioner Pai Remarks Before the Radio Show
Remarks of FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai
Before the Radio Show, Dallas, Texas
On September 19, 2012, Commissioner Ajit Pai of the Federal Communications
Commission delivered his second major speech since taking office at the National Association of
Broadcasters Radio Show in Dallas, Texas. During this address, he discussed the importance of
broadcasting and how the Federal Communications Commission can help foster growth and
investment in the broadcasting industry.
Summary of Principles and Proposals
The FCC should finish reviewing its media ownership regulations by the end of 2012.
o Eliminate the newspaper/radio cross-ownership prohibition in all markets.
o Eliminate the radio/television cross-ownership rule.
o Defend FCC reforms of media ownership regulations in the courts of appeals and,
if necessary, the Supreme Court.
The FCC should launch an AM Radio Revitalization Initiative to help the sector rebound.
o Review all AM radio rules with an eye towards eliminating regulatory barriers.
o Explore reforms to improve AM radio reception, such as across-the-board power
increases for AM stations.
o Complete AM Radio Revitalization Initiative by early 2014.
The FCC should facilitate investment in the broadcasting business.
o End the de facto ban on foreign investment above 25% in U.S. broadcast holding
companies.
o Review such foreign investment using a case-by-case process similar to what is
applied to other sectors of the communications marketplace.
The FCC should rededicate itself to processing broadcast license renewals in a timely
fashion.
o Clear the backlog of over a million and a half complaints that have piled up over
the last decade.
o Address the hundreds of license renewal applications that remain pending.
o Adopt standards that are clear and easy to understand for parents and
broadcasters.
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