The new pandemic relief bill, which is set to be put to a vote on Monday, expands eligibility for the Paycheck Protection Program to include many local TV and radio broadcasters.
In a statement Monday, National Association of Broadcasters CEO Gordon Smith said he "applauds" the changes, adding that "these provisions, in addition to the bill’s second round of PPP funding for which many stations will also be eligible, help local broadcasters maintain their operations during this difficult time and continue to provide news and information critical to local communities as vaccine distribution commences across the country." The new bill allows radio and TV stations to apply as long as they to not have more than 500 employees per location, and.