The Broadcast Licensing in the Public Interest Act (H.R. 4882), introduced by Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.), would have strengthened public interest obligations on broadcasters by requiring that those seeking license renewal demonstrate that they have made a dedication to civic affairs in their community.

The bill would have mandated that broadcasters air locally produced programming and make a commitment to provide a public presentation of the views of candidates and issues related to local, state, or national elections. The bill also required broadcasters to provide quality educational programming for children.

Finally, the bill would have reduced a broadcast license term from eight to three years to bring greater oversight into license renewals.

Resources
Read Free Press's letter of support for the bill.