September 23, 2016
NASHVILLE, Tenn (RFD-TV) FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai stopped by our studios to discuss a couple of topics of interest to our audience: the revitalization of AM radio and efforts to expand rural broadband access.
Most of our viewers and listeners turn to their local AM radio station for the latest on what’s going on in their community. But with so many other forms of media available nationwide, AM radio is struggling. Commissioner Pai believes that the revitalization of AM radio should be a priority.
Many of the AM radio stations also stream their broadcast on the internet, but 39% of rural America lacks access to high speed internet. Commissioner Pai also addressed this problem during the second half of his interview, highlighting the FCC’s efforts to expand rural broadband access.
During the interview, Commissioner Pai took calls from Chase Adams, member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters and Communications Director for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and from FFA Central Region Vice President Abrah Meyer.
For those who would like more information, the FCC has a page devoted to telecommunications in rural America here. In addition, Commissioner Pai’s statements on various FCC-related issues can be found here.