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Public Policy
NAA represents the interests of the newspaper industry before all levels of government. This site section provides greater insight into the issues that affect newspaper operations and newsgathering as well as NAA’s legal and regulatory priorities.
Featured Issue
 Media Groups Urge Quick Senate Action on Federal Shield Law
In a letter to the Senate today, more than 50 media companies and organizations pressed for quick passage on the federal shield legislation after a federal judge issued a decision over the weekend requiring Toni Locy, a former USA Today reporter and now university professor, to personally pay contempt fines for refusing to reveal her confidential sources.
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Recent Issue
NAA Opposes Senate Resolution of Disapproval on FCC Cross-Ownership Order
On April 24, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved S.J. Res 28, a “Resolution of Disapproval." The resolution, introduced in March by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND), would fully reinstate the 32-year old ban on newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership that the FCC relaxed in its December 18, 2007 Order. NAA opposes this resolution as it would reinstate an out-dated and obsolete prohibition that has forced newspapers to operate at a disadvantage in today’s increasingly competitive media market place.
A vote on the resolution could occur in the U.S. Senate before the end of May.
The FCC’s December Order provided very limited and narrow relief from the newspaper cross-ownership prohibition. The new rule provides some relief, but limits that relief to the top 20 markets. In contrast, the FCC’s rule in 2003 would have relaxed this cross-ownership ban in the top 170 markets. Even in the top 20 markets, the new rule would create only a “presumption” in favor of cross-ownership, meaning that opponents would have an opportunity to make the case that a given combination should be precluded. To qualify for such a presumption, moreover, newspaper publishers could own, at most, one TV station or one radio station but not both. In addition, daily newspapers would be prohibited from owning same-market TV stations that are ranked among the top four in their markets based on audience share. In smaller markets, a newspaper could reverse a “presumption against cross-ownership” if it is applying to buy a television or radio station that does not produce local news and the newspaper commits to producing at least 7 hours of local news programming a week. NAA believes this is in the public interest especially since local news on broadcast stations in smaller markets has diminished or has been eliminated.
February 29, 2008 Letter to the Senate
April 28, 2008 Letter to the Senate
Cross-Ownership Ad
Public Policy Events
Advertising Compliance WorkshopNAA offers a half-day, on-site workshop to provide newspaper-advertising staff with critical information on fair-housing advertising, fair employment advertising, and/or telemarketing laws. The interactive workshop, though conducted by a lawyer does not provide specific legal advice, but covers the federal legal requirements governing advertising content and telemarketing operations. In addition, attendees discuss various case studies, as well as practical strategies for minimizing legal exposure. Attendees also take pre- and post-workshop tests that they can use routinely as guidance tools. This workshop has been accepted by HUD, HOME (Housing Opportunities made Equal and The (VA) Real Estate Board as meeting their compliance guidelines of the conciliation agreement reached between a newspaper and HOME. For further information on this workshop or other advertising compliance issues, please contact René Milam at (571) 366-1085 or e-mail rene.milam@naa.org.
Date: scheduled upon request.
Fair Housing Advertising WebinarThis one-hour webinar is a condensed version of the half-day, onsite workshop that NAA routinely provides to its member newspapers. The webinar, though conducted by an attorney, does not provide specific legal advice, but rather provides practical information and guidance on the federal legal requirements governing advertising content. It is designed to assist newspapers in deciding the acceptability of certain residential real estate advertising and in developing their own advertising policies and procedures. Topics include specific examples of discriminatory language, the selective use of advertising media, enforcement and penalties, and recommended Fair Housing Policies and Practices. Contact Sara Samson at (571) 366-1046 or sara.samson@naa.org. $99.00 NAA Federation Members $125.00 NAA Members $250.00 Non-members.
Date and time to be announced.
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Related E-Forums
Employee Relations Committee E-Forum
The Employee Relations Committee E-Forum is open only to members of NAA's Employee Relations Committee. The forum provides an opportunity for members to discuss and share news and information of interest to newspaper executives in human resources, employee relations and labor relations.
Legal Affairs Committee E-Forum
The Legal Affairs Committee E-Forum is open only to members of NAA's Legal Affairs Committee. The forum provides an opportunity for members to discuss and share news and information of interest to in-house newspaper lawyers. It is not intended to provide legal advice. NAA / Political
As the 2008 presidential campaign swings into full gear, NAA announces the launch of NAA / Political. This new Web site tackles political advertising from both sides. How can candidates and campaigns use newspaper media to deliver their message? How can newspaper sales personnel effectively persuade campaign professionals to utilize newspaper media?
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