National Religious Broadcasters hosted Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Nathan Simington to participate in a fireside chat via video Wednesday morning during the annual four-day convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville , Tennessee. The conversation was moderated by Joseph Chautin Esq., Managing Partner, Hardy, Carey, Chautin & Balkin, LLP.

Commissioner Simington offered the Christian Communicators Ballroom insight and updates on several regulatory issues. The session, titled “Fireside Chat with FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington” was moderated by Chautin. The discussion touched on some of the key issues facing Christian radio and television broadcasters today. Simington shared his perspective on communications policy and the future of broadcasting.

Several of the topics discussed in the 45-minute conversation included Section 230 and its role in technological censorship, net neutrality, and the development of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) rules and possible reinstatement. of the Form 395-B requiring stations to submit information on the composition of their workforce.

Chautin said issues like Section 230 and how to regulate the Internet are important issues for content providers, especially those concerned about the short-circuiting of biblical messages by some media platforms and social media.

“It was a good discussion. He was very open. He wanted to address some of these issues, and in a few places I understood that he was interested in taking a few positions or reconsidering certain elements, either of the regulations in place or those that are currently being considered,” Chautin said. .

Attendee Bill Harrier, an individual NRB member of Radio Training Network, Inc. based in Greenville, South Carolina, said Commissioner Simington addressed several of his top concerns, including ownership rules, EEO and net neutrality.

“I was looking forward to his responses on EEO, and the demands that might come with it, and going back to the old ways and the burden on broadcasters, especially non-commercial broadcasters like us, and looking for wider spectrum. …as well as net neutrality at the end of today’s conversation,” Harrier said. “He gave good information about it, what he expects and what his opinion is.”

Harrier said his company and their stations have a good line of communication with the FCC through their attorneys.

“Even though we are working from home, we have had a few situations over the past two years with the purchase of new stations or license renewals, and when our lawyer asked the commission for the answers we need, they I received in an hour or two, which really surprised me for the past two years that they responded so quickly,” he said.

Broadcasters were also asked to take action by meeting with the commissioner’s office, filing comments on the various proceedings or inviting Simington to visit their stations.

“I love visiting Christian stations whenever I get the chance,” Simington said. “It’s not as often as I would like, but I would definitely look forward to it, so let’s talk about it.”

Hardy, Carey, Chautin & Balkin LLP is a communications law firm in the New Orleans metropolitan area. zoning law.