Broadcast Exclusivity Rules Effects of Elimination Would Depend on Other Federal Actions and Industry Response

Local television stations negotiate with content providers -- including national broadcast networks, such as ABC -- for the right to be the exclusive provider of content in their markets. The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) network non-duplication and syndicated exclusivity rules help protect these contractual rights. In 2014, FCC issued a further notice of proposed rulemaking (FNPRM) to consider eliminating or modifying the rules in part to determine if the rules are still needed given changes in recent years to the video marketplace. This report examines (1) industry stakeholder views on the need for and effects of the exclusivity rules; and (2) the potential effects that removing the exclusivity rules may have on the production and distribution of content, including local news and community-oriented content. Figures. This is a print on demand report.