FCC Should Not Eliminate Exclusivity Rules, NAB Says

Consumers will suffer if the FCC eliminates its exclusivity rules, NAB said in a presentation to Chairman Tom Wheeler’s Media aide Maria Kirby Thursday, according to an ex parte filing posted Monday in docket 10-71. A lack of exclusivity rules could make it harder for the FCC to enforce its coverage rules, NAB said. “Broadcasters have incorporated this geographic limitation into their contracts and, because of the rules, stations do not negotiate for coverage beyond those distances,” the filing said. “Eliminating the rule may incentivize stronger, large-market stations to seek to expand their exclusive service areas,” the filing said.