FCC Adopts JSA Rule and Begins 2014 Media Ownership Quadrennial Review | FCC.gov

NEWSFederal Communications Commission

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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

March 31, 2014Janice Wise (202) 418-8165Email: janice.wise@fcc.gov

FCC ADOPTS TV JSA ATTRIBUTION RULES, BEGINS 2014 MEDIA OWNERSHIP

QUADRENNIAL REVIEW, AND PROPOSES BENEFITS FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

Actions Will Help Protect Consumers and Preserve Local Broadcasting

Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission today took steps to close a loophole in itsTV ownership rules, making sure that a party’s interests in a market are properly counted. Removal ofthe loophole helps ensure competition, localism, and diversity in local broadcast markets by preventing apractice that previously resulted in consolidation in excess of what is permitted under the Commission’srules.A JSA, or joint sales agreement, is between two stations in the same market in which one station isauthorized to sell advertising time on the other station. The Commission’s radio rules have longrecognized that these agreements create an ownership interest when the JSA allows for the sale of 15% ormore of the advertising time on a competing local station. Today’s Report and Order applies this samestandard to broadcast television. Parties to existing TV JSAs will have two years to come intocompliance with the applicable local ownership limits. Waiver requests, considered on a case-by-casebasis, must show that strict compliance with the rule is inconsistent with the public interest.Also adopted today was a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that initiates the Commission’s 2014Media Ownership Quadrennial Review and incorporates the ongoing 2010 Quadrennial Review record.The FNPRM asks for new and additional information on current market conditions to ensure acomprehensive and refreshed record. The current ownership rules remain in place while the review ispending.The FNPRM additionally asks for comment on whether commercial television stations should be requiredto disclose shared service agreements and how best to achieve disclosure. An SSA allows same marketstations to share resources, such as employees, administrative services, or hard assets, such as a newshelicopter.The Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking also recommends reinstatement of the Commission’srevenue-based “eligible entity” standard, finding that the program would support new entry into thebroadcast industry by small businesses.Action by the Commission March 31, 2014, by Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Report andOrder (FCC 14-28). Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel with CommissionersPai and O’Rielly dissenting. Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai andO’Rielly issuing statements. MB Docket No. 14-50.For further information, contact Hillary DeNigro or Brendan Holland of the Industry Analysis Division,Media Bureau, at (202) 418-2330. Press contact: Janice Wise (202-418-8165; janice.wise@fcc.gov).-FCC-For news and information about the FCC, please visit www.fcc.gov

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