Broadcast Lobbyist to Step Down in April ’06

The U.S. broadcast television and radio industry’s top lobbyist said Wednesday that he would step down when his contract ends in April 2006.

Edward Fritts, 63, has been the president and chief executive of the National Assn. of Broadcasters since 1982. It is considered one of the most powerful lobbying groups in Washington because it represents most local broadcasters.

Fritts plans to remain a consultant to the group. A committee has been formed to find his successor.

Broadcasters are facing tough competition these days, with more and more consumers subscribing to pay-television and radio services, including XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. and DirecTV Group Inc., which is controlled by News Corp.

Fritts has had a mixed record during his tenure, losing the major television networks such as Walt Disney Co.’s ABC as members and other key battles, but he also won fights to protect and boost the broadcast industry.

He lobbied to have subscription satellite television services carry local stations and require television set manufacturers to include equipment to receive new digital signals.

Under Fritts’ leadership, the association also persuaded Congress to limit competing low-power FM radio and blocked attempts by lawmakers to require stations to give free airtime to political candidates.

However, Fritts this month failed to convince the Federal Communications Commission that all of the digital channels broadcasters are beginning to offer should be carried on cable television services.

He also was unable to prevent the FCC from tightening ownership restrictions on radio stations or limit a crackdown by lawmakers and regulators on indecency on the airwaves.

Fritts said that during his remaining time he would focus on the transition to higher-quality digital television and closely watch how Congress revises the country’s communications laws.

“The one thing we’ve been able to convince policymakers of,” he said, “is free, over-the-air broadcasting is still very important in today’s society to consumers.”