Lawmakers Flood, Alford, Boyle, and Soto Revive the Broadcasters Group in Congress
Announcing the 119th Congress's Broadcasters Caucus: A Bipartisan Effort
Washington D.C. is buzzing with the launch of the Broadcasters Caucus for the 119th Congress, spearheaded by four congressmen from both the Democratic and Republican parties. The four Congress members - Mike Flood (NE-01), Mark Alford (MO-04), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), and Darren Soto (FL-09) - aim to bring Congress members up to speed on the challenges faced by the broadcasting industry and champion the significance of local radio and television stations.
This bipartisan alliance, dubbed the Broadcasters Caucus, is warmly welcomed by the National Association of Broadcasters. A closer look at the background of these four congressmen reveals their substantial knowledge and experience in the broadcasting sector. For instance, Flood founded a broadcast communications company, while Alford has spent nearly 25 years as a news reporter and anchor in Kansas City. Boyle, on the other hand, has experience as an on-air talent for local broadcast radio, and Soto has consistently advocated for local news providers.
"Broadcast journalism lies at the heart of how Middle America stays informed," says Flood, a Republican representative from Nebraska. "The crucial role of local radio and television stations is often overlooked; they bridge communities and provide the news that shapes our lives. As someone who rose through the broadcasting ranks before entering politics, I understand the importance of this kind of advocacy for broadcasters. I'm honored to join forces with Alford, Boyle, and Soto as we push the Broadcasters Caucus mission forward in the 119th Congress."
Mark Alford, a Republican news reporter from Missouri, shares his enthusiasm for leading the Broadcasters Caucus, "My time in media gave me a unique perspective on the stories that impact our constituents' lives and an insight into how ill-informed public policies can be detrimental to local radio and TV stations. I'm looking forward to working with Flood, Soto, and Boyle to educate our colleagues, bridge the partisan divide, and resolve the issues plaguing the broadcasting community."
Democratic representatives, Boyle and Soto, express their enthusiasm for the caucus as well. Boyle, having experience as an on-air talent for local broadcast radio and serving as an analyst for Notre Dame football and basketball games in college, values the role of broadcasters in disseminating essential information to communities.
Soto, an advocate for the broadcasting community during his time as a local news provider, emphasizes the importance of ensuring fair representation and a strong future for broadcasting in Central Florida.
The NAB President and CEO, Curtis LeGeyt, expresses gratitude for the Congressmen's efforts in rebooting the Broadcasters Caucus. "The Broadcasters Caucus unites lawmakers who understand the crucial role local TV and radio stations play in communities across the nation. We are excited to work with these congressmen as they push policies that allow local stations to continue delivering trusted news, sports updates, and emergency coverage that audiences rely on," says LeGeyt.
- The Broadcasters Caucus, a bipartisan effort led by four congressmen, is aimed at educating Congress members about the challenges faced by the broadcasting industry.
- Mike Flood, one of the initiators, underscores the importance of local radio and television stations in informing Middle America and advocates for their role in shaping lives.
- Mark Alford, another initiator with a news reporter background, hopes to work with his colleagues to educate Congress about the significant impact of ill-informed public policies on local radio and TV stations.
- Democratic representatives, Boyle and Soto, value the role of broadcasters in disseminating essential information to communities and emphasize the importance of fair representation and a strong future for broadcasting.
- The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) warmly welcomes the reboot of the Broadcasters Caucus, praising its potential for uniting lawmakers to push policies that allow local stations to continue delivering trusted news, sports updates, and emergency coverage.
