Bowling Green Today

On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the Local News and Broadcast Media Preservation Act. This legislation aims to provide local broadcasters and newspapers with relief from existing government restrictions that are currently threatening their ability to thrive in a rapidly changing media environment.

"With the rise of social media and an ever-changing media landscape, it is imperative that our local newspapers and broadcasters are given the freedom to adapt. My Local News and Broadcast Media Preservation Act gets government out of the way and frees broadcast media from the chains that restrict their ability to better serve their customers," said Dr. Paul.

The Local News and Broadcast Media Preservation Act proposes to exempt print, broadcast, and digital news organizations from federal antitrust laws. This exemption would enable them to compete with and negotiate with national tech companies effectively. Moreover, the legislation would permit local broadcast companies to merge without government interference, thereby allowing these broadcasters to compete more robustly against tech giants.

Furthermore, the bill aims to eliminate both local and national caps on radio and television ownership. It intends to create an environment conducive for maximum flexibility in competition and negotiation.

For further details on Dr. Paul’s Local News and Broadcast Media Preservation Act, it can be accessed HERE.