H.R. 4882, the "Broadcast Licensing in the Public Interest Act," is in the hopper, introduced by Anna Eshoo (D-CA), with four co-sponsors. If enacted into law, the eight-year broadcast licensing term would be reduced to three, and civic affairs, news, and locally produced programming would become a blanket requirement. The co-sponsors include Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).
At license renewal time, a station would have to demonstrate the following: "(i) a dedication to the civic affairs of its community; (ii) a dedication to local news gathering; (iii) local production of programming; (iv) a commitment to providing the viewing public a presentation of the issues, candidates, and ballot items that are before voters during a local, statewide or national election, including coverage of candidate debates and forums, political conventions, and ongoing news coverage; and (v) presentation of quality educational programming for children."
RBR/TVBR observation: Frankly, we’d be a little surprised if this even sees the light of day in committee, much less make it to the floor, earn a 50% plus one vote, get through the Senate, and received a presidential autograph. In the unlikely event it does all that, the very first judge who has ever read the First Amendment will slay it faster than a voracious frog can zap a fly.
