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NABOB Opposes Changes To FCC Local Radio Ownership Rule
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK OWNED BROADCASTERS (NABOB) has submitted reply comments to the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC), opposing the repeal or relaxation of its Local Radio Ownership Rule. This includes the “subcaps” provision that limits how many AM or FM stations a single entity can own in a market.
NABOB’s filing was submitted in response to the FCC’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” proceeding which are reviewing whether to eliminate outdated regulations. Some broadcasters have called for loosening ownership limits to compete with digital platforms. NABOB argued that such moves would harm Black-Owned radio stations and further reduce diversity in media ownership.
NABOB Pres. JAMES L. WINSTON wrote, “Repeal or relaxation of the Commission’s Local Radio Ownership Rule is an issue that NABOB has opposed in each of the Commission’s quadrennial ownership rule review proceedings, and we continue to oppose that result. Maintenance of the Local Radio Ownership Rule will provide an opportunity for existing Black owned stations, and other minority owned stations, to continue as competitors in the industry.”
A joint NABOB-BIA study cited in the filing found that 72% of Black-Owned radio stations earn less than $1 million in annual advertising revenue. The group also noted that Black Americans remain underrepresented in media ownership—owning just 3% of full-power TV stations, 2% of FM stations, and 4% of AM stations as of 2023—despite comprising nearly 14% of the U.S. population.
NABOB has warned that eliminating subcaps would lead to further market consolidation, lower AM station values, and force out minority broadcasters. The organization emphasized that Black owned stations are vital sources of news and cultural content in AFRICAN AMERICAN communities.
NABOB’s position aligns with prior statements from major broadcasters including iHEARTMEDIA and SALEM MEDIA GROUP, who previously warned that relaxing FM ownership rules could undermine the viability of AM stations.