Potential FCC re-regulation under the guise of encouraging “localism” was a hot topic for discussion as the NAB Board of Directors met this week in DC. The NAB currently has a lot on its plate, fighting against re-reg, opposing a performance tax for broadcasters and trying to keep the XM-Sirius merger from being approved. But the trade group is also fighting for some things as well. The TV board was updated on efforts to win duopoly relief in medium and smaller markets. The Radio Board heard of progress on an important front – getting the FCC to approve FM translators for signal-handicapped AM stations. The Radio Board also approved a resolution from the NAB Digital Radio committee seeking FCC authorization for higher-power operation of IBOC FM stations. The proposal would increase current HD Radio signals up to an additional 10 db.
