NAB Statement on Senate Introduction of HEROES Small Business Lifeline Act

NAB Statement on Senate Introduction of HEROES Small Business Lifeline Act WASHINGTON, D.C. - In response to the introduction in the Senate yesterday of the HEROES Small Business Lifeline Act, which includes provisions to expand eligibility for U.S. Small Business Administration loan access to struggling local newspapers and radio and television stations, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:

NAB applauds the inclusion of provisions in the HEROES Small Business Lifeline Act that would expand eligibility to Payroll Protection Program loans for local media outlets, including radio and television stations. These provisions would help local broadcasters weather unprecedented economic challenges while continuing to provide critical news and information about important issues affecting our communities.

We thank Senators Schumer, Cantwell, Cardin, Shaheen, and Coons for the introduction of this critical legislation, and the many members of Congress who have voiced their support for America's radio and TV stations during these difficult times. We also thank Speaker Pelosi and Chairwoman Vel zquez for including similar provisions in the House-passed Heroes bill, and we appreciate the leadership of Reps. Cicilline and Sensenbrenner, Sens. Cantwell, Boozman, and Schumer, and their bipartisan cosponsors of standalone legislation in both Houses to provide this much-needed aid for local media.

Background:

The expansion of PPP for local media would provide television and radio broadcasters, as well as newspapers, the same treatment as hotels and restaurants received under the original CARES Act PPP - eligibility based on a physical location basis.

In May, Reps. David Cicilline (D-RI) and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introduced the Local News and Emergency Information Act in the House, standalone legislation that would expand eligibility for U.S. Small Business Administration loan access to struggling local newspapers and radio and television stations. Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), John Boozman (R-AR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) introduced the Local News and Emergency Information Act in the Senate, and the bill continues to garner bipartisan support.

About NAB

The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for Americas broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.

LINK:	http://www.nab.org/documents/newsRoom/pressRelease.asp?id=5851...
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