DAN COATS INDIANA tinitnl ~tatrs ~rnatr The Honorable Julius Genachowski Chairman Federal Communications Commissions 445 12th Street SW, Room: 8-8201 Washington, DC 20554 Dear Chairman Genachowski: WASHINGTON, DC 20510 August 31,2012 COMMmEES: APPROPRIATIONS ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES SELECT INTELLIGENCE JOINT ECONOMIC I am contacting you regarding clarification of the commercial restrictions of Non­ Commercial Educational (NCE) Public Interest Obligation (PIO) channels. I support the ability of NCE PIOs to air limited messages of for-profit entities. As you know, public broadcasters already air limited messages from for-profit entities that sponsor numerous programs on their stations. I support PBS' current practice in this regard, as long as the policy is uniform for all non-commercial stations. Therefore, I am seeking assurance from the FCC that all NCE PIO channels are afforded and permitted this same ability, specifically independent and religious programmers. Additionally, I seek further clarification regarding the definition of promotional announcements, particularly of for-profit entities, that are permitted on these stations. 11035 BROADWAY SUITE A CROWN POINT, IN 46307 219-663-2595 Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. 101 MARTIN lliTtfER KING, JR. BlVD EvANSVIllE, IN 4nos 812-46!H>500 Sincerely, a Dan Coats U.S. Senator 1300 SOUTH HARRISON STREET SUITE 3161 FORT WAYNE, IN 46802 260-426-3151 1650 MARKET TOWER 10 WEST MARKET STREET INDIANAPOliS, IN 46204 317-554-0750 2 EAsT McCU•.IN AvENUE SUITE 2-A SconssuRG, IN 47170 812-754-0520 493 RusseLL SENATE BuiLDING WASHINGTON, DC 20510 202- 224-5623 1097