Barger Amendment Addresses Non-Compete Agreements for Broadcasters

June 30, 2026

HARRISBURG - In a move supported by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, Rep. Scott Barger (R-Blair/Huntingdon) attempted to amend House Bill 2558 to lessen the detrimental impacts of potential ban on non-compete agreements on over-the-air television and radio news operations.

House Bill 2558, introduced by Rep. Ben Waxman (D-Philadelphia) would prohibit non-compete agreements in the contracts of broadcast workers seeking to change employment.

Barger tried to amend the legislation so that it would only affect workers who switch jobs within the same media market as defined by Nielsen. His proposal would cap the duration of non-compete agreements at six months.

"I sought to have a hearing on this legislation, so my fellow lawmakers could hear directly from the people this bill impacts. Frustratingly, that request was denied," Barger said. "This bill without the amendment would be financially devastating to Pennsylvania's broadcasters, particularly the smallest ones. They have enough stressors on their industry without this burden."

The amendment was defeated on a party-line vote of 100-102.

House Bill 2558 (without the amendment) is scheduled for a House vote Wednesday, July 1.

Representative Scott Barger
80th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717-260-6563
[email protected]
RepBarger.com / facebook.com/RepBarger