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                                August 9, 2021 
The Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel 
Acting Chair 
Federal Communications Commission 
45 L Street, NE 
Washington, DC 20554 

Dear Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel: 
We write to you today regarding a simple step that the Federal Communications Commission 
(“FCC”) can take to give local radio stations ⸺ particularly minority-owned stations ⸺ the 
ability to better compete in today’s media marketplace.  
Every type of media, from broadcast television to cable to over-the-top providers to even 
newspapers, has the ability to geo-target content ⸺ except for radio.  This puts radio at a distinct 
disadvantage, in terms of attracting both audience and advertisers.  Listeners want to hear content 
tailored to their location.  Advertisers know their customers and want to be able to reach them 
specifically.  The technology exists to put radio on par with cable and broadcast television, print, 
and digital.  But one small FCC rule from the 1980s stands in the way. 
The FCC recently adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) to change that rule, 
giving radio broadcasters the option of launching geo-targeted content.  We understand that the 
FCC has more recently granted experimental licenses to test this technology in two markets, and 
that the testing is currently underway with reports due to the FCC later this year. 
We see this technology as particularly meaningful for minority broadcasters.  Minority 
broadcasters by and large tend to own single stations or small station groups.  In this highly-
concentrated industry, they are up against well-funded interests with large market share.  
Minority-owned stations tend to be in diverse areas, where geo-targeted content, such as second-
language content, could be particularly meaningful.  Offering geo-targeted content would benefit 
other businesses in the area.  For example, small businesses may be motivated to buy localized 
advertisements, when before they wouldn’t have considered radio to be good value for their 
money.  These distinct benefits for minority broadcasters and communities are why 21 civil 
rights and minority groups support the proposal. 
The ability to geo-target content would give radio broadcasters a way to offer better service to 
their specific communities, a way to promote localism and advance the public interest.  We know 
you share these goals and hope you will promote them.  We ask that you keep our offices 
advised of the testing and how it will inform the rulemaking process. 

Sincerely, 


G. K. Butterfield                      Tony Cárdenas 
Member of Congress                     Member of Congress