Legislative

The Washington State Association of Broadcasters is the voice or radio and television broadcasters at the state capitol in Olympia and on a federal level in Washington, D.C.

We monitor issues that are of importance and relevance to broadcasters throughout the state, including, but limited to:

State Legislative Issues

  • AMBER Alert Broadcast Immunity/Hoaxes
  • Reporter's Shield Law
  • Sales Tax on Advertising
  • Alcoholic Beverage Advertising
  • State Lottery Advertising
  • Talent Non-Compete Contracts
  • Political Advertising Requirements
  • Reporters Access to Government Records & Meetings
  • Reporters Access to Meetings of Government Agency Governing Bodies
  • Broadcasters' B & O Tax Deductions from Gross Revenue
  • V-Chip/Television Violence
  • Gambling, Promotional Contest Advertising
  • Auto Lease/Credit Sales Financial Disclosures
  • Auto VIN Numbers
  • Roadside Assistance Vans
  • Agricultural Product Disparagement Lawsuits
  • Storecasting
  • Tower Siting/Radiation Exposure Limits
  • Electricity Industry De-Regulation
  • First Informer (Engineer Access to Broadcast Facilities during Declared Emergency)

Congressional Issues

  • Advertising Tax Deductibility
  • Broadcasters are 1st Responders
  • Digital Television Transition
  • Multi-Cast Must-Carry
  • Unhealthy Food Advertising
  • Satellite Radio Local Content
  • XM-Sirius Satellite Radio Merger
  • Unlicensed Devices in TV "White Spaces"
  • Performance Royalty for Over-the-Air Music
  • Performance Fee for Streaming Music
  • Cameras in Federal Courtrooms
  • Reporter's Shield Law in Federal Cases
  • Media Ownership Restrictions
  • Prescription Drug Advertising
  • Fairness Doctrine
  • Spectrum Auctions & Fees
  • Alcoholic Beverage Advertising Restrictions
  • Advertising Expense Deduction
  • Free Time for Candidates/Political Broadcasting/Campaign Finance Reform
  • Tower-Site Lease Fees
  • Violence/Indecency
  • LPFM Interference  
  • Retransmission Consent/Must Carry
     

The WSAB has a daily presence in Olympia during the legislative session through our partnership with our contract lobbyist – Mark Allen Government Relations.  

The WSAB works in partnership with the National Association of Broadcasters to provide advocacy with Washington’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C.  Learn more about the NAB here. 

Broadcasters also participate in the “WSAB Day at the Capitol” event held annually during the legislative session.  Learn more about WSAB Day at the Capitol here.