Harrisburg, PA – PAB President Joe Conti testified before the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations Committee on Wednesday, April 29th, concerning three proposed pieces of legislation that would remove the need to change the clocks twice a year, either by staying on Standard or Daylight Savings Time.
The position of the PAB, which is echoed by the NAB, is that a patchwork approach to change the time standards state-by-state would be an untenable solution as it pertains to broadcast.
In testimony submitted to the committee, Conti said, “as stated by NAB, ‘broadcasters oppose state-specific time changes that would undermine the ability to deliver news, weather, security alerts and entertainment programs at our audiences’ desired time.’ The NAB also points out the change could hinder the ability of some radio stations, especially AM radio, to broadcast at all, without violating FCC regulations.”
Conti also pointed out that in Pennsylvania, many demographic market areas extend over state lines into neighboring states. Delaware passed a bill in 2019 that would adopt year-round Daylight Savings Time on the condition that Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland enact similar changes to prevent regional disparities.
The PAB urged the committee to consider the unintended harm to broadcast audiences and reiterated a preference for a national solution for time standards.
