By John Eggerton, Broadcasting & Cable Online, 5-15-20
House Antitrust Subcommittee Chairman David Cicilline (D-R.I.) and ranking member Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) have introduced a stand-alone bill that would make radio and TV stations that are part of larger broadcast groups eligible for forgivable small business loans.
There is a provision to that effect in the mammoth $3 trillion Democrat-backed HEROES Act COVID-019 aid bill, but even that acronym will not get that bill through the Republican-controlled Senate or the President, so stand-alone bills are broadcasters’ best chance for some of that COVID-19 money.
A similar bill was introduced in the Senate earlier this week.
The National Association of Broadcasters has been pushing hard for the aid, no matter what the vehicle. » Read More