This is huge and so needed.

Jessica Rosenworcel, who just happens to be the first female to hold the permanent chairperson position on the FCC, announced a proposal to support local journalism.  Proposal would incentivize  “the production of local programming by prioritizing the processing and review of applications from broadcast stations that invest in and prioritize local programming in communities across the country.”

Also of interest, according to Google, Rosenworcel was first nominated to the FCC by President Barack Obama in 2011. Her confirmation was delayed for months by none other than Chuck Grassley. Aren’t Republicans fun?

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-398457A1.txt

Media Contact: 
Katie Gorscak
katie.gorscak@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

CHAIRWOMAN ROSENWORCEL SHARES PROPOSAL TO SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM 
Proposal Would Prioritize License Application Review for Broadcasters that Provide Locally Originated Programming
  -- 
WASHINGTON, November 14, 2023—Today, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced a proposal that, if adopted, would begin a proceeding to advance the Commission’s longstanding policy goal of supporting local journalism and broadcasters’ commitment to meet the needs and interests of local communities.  This proposal explores incentivizing the production of local programming by prioritizing the processing and review of applications from broadcast stations that invest in and prioritize local programming in communities across the country.

“There’s something special about when you hear a local voice on the airwaves or see a familiar face on your television set in the evening.  Over time we’ve come to trust those voices and they provide an important service to these communities,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel.  “We want to recognize that dedication when it comes time for license renewals and transactions and this proposal does just that.”

The Chairwoman circulated the proposal, as summarized: 

· A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to support local journalism that proposes to prioritize processing the review of applications for license renewal or for assignment or transfer of license filed by radio and television broadcast stations that provide locally originated programming.  

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Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 

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. Cir. 1974).