Red Cross Chapter, Mental Health Group Back Healthy Broadcast System

NAB points to divergent groups united by desire to preserve public service outlets

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 7/23/2012 3:21:21 PM

According to the National Association of Broadcasters, groups as divergent as the American Red Cross and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) have weighed in with the Senate Commerce Committee asking it to preserve the must-carry/retrans system, or at least a healthy broadcasting system. NAB argues that scrapping the regime would jeopardize broadcasters' ability to serve the public.

In a letter to committee member James De Mint (R-S.C.) in advance of Tuesday's hearing on the Cable Act of 1992, which created the must-carry/retrans regime, the Central South Carolina Chapter made a pitch for TV stations. DeMint's S. 2008 bill, which is expected to be a topic at the hearing, would sweep away retrans regulations as well as broadcast and cable ownership limits.

DeMint's obvious support for his own bill notwithstanding, the regional CEO pushed him to "resist any legislative effort that would eliminate retransmission consent," pointing out that broadcast execs serve on their board and stations promote blood drives, first aid and CPR in addition to relaying lifesaving info in times of emergency.

"The broadcast community is always willing to give a helping hand to the Red Cross," said Red Cross CEO Scott Salemme.

In a letter to Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), another committee member, NAMI was less specific, but said Congress should to whatever it takes to preserve a strong news and community service commitment by broadcasters. Broadcasting representatives scheduled to testify at the hearing have said deep-sixing retrans would threaten their ability to invest in that commitment.