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 seen as hindering 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 proposed act would exempt print, broadcast, and digital news organizations from federal antitrust laws, thereby enabling them to compete with and negotiate with national tech companies. Moreover, it would allow local broadcast companies to merge without government interference, enhancing their ability to compete against these tech giants.

In addition, the bill proposes eliminating both local and national caps on radio and television ownership. This move would create an environment conducive to maximum flexibility for competition and negotiation.

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