Note from BFIA:  Media reform activists are already celebrating, but BFIA would like to say to progressives everywhere:  This is really big news. 

For background information as to why Iowa progressives should be excited about this, please see a couple of items in BFIA archives:

Localism Key to Correcting Conservative Talk Radio Imbalance, 
Statement of Commissioner Michael J. Copps on Broadcast Localism, as well as
The Public and Broadcasting: How to Get the Most Out of Your Local Station on the FCC site. 

There are twenty-three Clear Channel-owned radio stations in Iowa, including WHO 1040 am Des Moines, WMT 600 am Cedar Rapids, and KXIC 800 am, Iowa City.  Imagine the possibilities if these conservative talk-only stations have local programming boards.  Well, that's what Clear Channel has in mind for all of its stations, seeing the handwriting on the wall and getting a head start on increasing public service and local accountability, before the FCC tells them to, anyway. 

And, we just can't resist pointing out that the mainstream media (including all those Clear Channel stations) have not breathed a word about this – we had to find out from a trade journal. 

Clear Channel Launches 'Localism' Initiative

-By Katy Bachman

As the Federal Communications Commission mulls new “localism” initiatives for broadcasters, Clear Channel Radio has made a preemptive move by announcing Wednesday (April 15) an expanded local community affairs policy for its stations.

The renewed commitment includes expanded charitable partnerships, increased airing of public-service announcements, more local public-affairs programming in better dayparts, the creation of local advisory boards and 24/7 access to station management for local officials.

The FCC, which in February floated several proposals to require stations to better serve local communities, including establishing community advisory boards to consult stations on programming, couldn't have spelled it out any better.

Practically out of the FCC playbook, CCR will establish “local advisory boards” in each of its markets, a practice CCR began five years ago in select markets.

“We are materially increasing our commitment to community programming, increasing our accountability and broadening our public-service contributions in every local market we serve,” said John Hogan, president and CEO for CCR. “We believe when radio focuses on service to local communities, it is radio at its finest.”

Going forward, stations will be required to air a total of 12 minutes of PSAs daily and 84 minutes per week. Community leaders will be invited to submit information for future PSAs. In addition, the company will choose one national cause to be highlighted company-wide each quarter for coordinated campaigns. The first national campaign will support Feeding America, the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity.

On the programming side, CCR plans to expand and improve its local public affairs programming by moving them to higher-audience time periods and using higher-profile talent. Stations will also create short local segments, 60 second to five minutes, that will run during the week, as determined by local program directors.