No surprise here – stations are not supposed to be repped by their own networks, but the restrictions have been routinely waived for providers of Hispanic television programming. Fox’s new Hispanic network used arguments used previously by Univision and Telemundo to make its case.
Citing waivers granted to those networks, Fox noted that “…the Commission relied upon Univision’s statement that traditional national sales firms lack ‘the specialized skill and experience required to market successfully Spanish-language television,’ and Telemundo’s argument that Spanish-language stations ‘cannot themselves effectively secure national spot advertising sales.’”
The company further argued that not granting it the same waiver would put it at a significant competitive disadvantage with the incumbents. And that competition comes in addition to Telemundo’s competition with English-language stations, which are also taking a share out of national advertising dollars coming into local markets.
Fox argued that the request caused no harm to the public interest and in addition promote diversity. The FCC agreed, and said for reasons previously stated in regards to the other Hispanic networks, the waiver is granted.
