How an FCC proposal could hurt Latinos

*We need to keep an eye on this. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler is considering a proposal to eliminate broadcast exclusivity rules. Those are the rules that make sure TV broadcasters are compensated fairly for the redistribution of their content by cable companies and the like. Some Latino media advocates say the rules would force many local TV station to close, and because 60 million Americans use free broadcast news as their primary source of information, the effect would be detrimental. Forty-one percent of the 60 million are minorities and 51 percent of Latinos say they get their news from free broadcast Spanish television. VL

By Gus West, The Hill

There are few things that Latinos consume more than broadcast news. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, 86 percent of Latino adults say that on a typical weekday they get their news from television, and nearly 70 percent say they rely on Spanish language news media. Broadcast news continues to be an integral and positive part of Hispanic families’ daily media diet in this country.

At the Hispanic Institute, we are troubled by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler’s proposal to eliminate long-standing broadcast exclusivity rules – rules that protect TV broadcasters so that they are compensated fairly for the redistribution of their content by cable providers. These regulations also allow the FCC to review complaints by broadcasters that cable companies have violated the terms of these agreements. While the Hispanic Institute supports free enterprise, we also advocate for a fair, competitive marketplace and regulations that help our families – not harm them. Unfortunately, Chairman Wheeler’s proposal falls into the latter category.

Local broadcast television provides vital information to the Hispanic community, and we believe that the FCC should continue to implement rules that ensure local broadcasters fair compensation for their work. This content, such as the local news broadcasts we watch every day, is a vital source of information for Latinos. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, about eight-in-ten Latino adults say they keep up with the news “a lot.” From severe weather warnings, public school and safety information, and opportunities for community integration and engagement for our immigrant communities, local newscasts bring what is happening outside, inside our living rooms every night.

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