ABC AFFILS ON LOCALISM RULES: NO NEED

In its comments on the FCC’s proposed new localism rules, the ABC Television Affiliates Association says they’re just not necessary.

The group wrote: “The notice asks whether a new rule should be adopted to require networks to provide their affiliates an opportunity to preview network programming in advance of its scheduled broadcast.

“Although the standard ABC Television Network affiliation agreement does not expressly grant affiliates the right to preview non-live network programming in advance of its broadcast, the network has, as a matter of practice in recent years, given its affiliates advance notice of the nature of network programs and has provided a reasonable opportunity for affiliates to preview programming that may present questions in terms of its suitability for all audiences.

“The ability of affiliates to preview non-live ABC Network programming in advance of its broadcast is simply not a problem for ABC affiliates.

“We believe ABC's practice in this respect has struck a reasonable balance and, for that reason, we do not believe a new mandatory regulatory requirement is necessary.”