FCC Eases TV Ownership Limits in 2-1 Vote
The commission said waivers could be granted when larger station deals serve the public interest, including support for local journalism and viewpoint diversity.
- The Federal Communications Commission voted 2-1 on Thursday to eliminate its 39% national TV ownership cap, allowing companies to own local stations reaching more than 39% of U.S. households and multiple outlets in a single market.
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr championed the measure to help broadcasters compete against streaming services, which now account for more than 40% of all viewing and have eroded traditional TV revenue and carriage fees.
- Anna Gomez, the lone Democrat on the commission, opposed the change, arguing it "just changes who is doing the squeezing" by empowering large station groups rather than solving economic pressures facing local broadcasters.
- Even Trump-supporting Republicans have raised concerns about the FCC's broad discretionary power under Carr, warning the agency's case-by-case review process could invite second-guessing and legal challenges over content decisions.
- Legal challenges loom as attorneys general earlier this year sued to block Nexstar Media Group's $6.2-billion acquisition of Tegna, signaling future consolidation deals will face intense antitrust scrutiny despite the FCC's rule change.
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The Billings Gazette
Lincoln Journal StarFCC discards merger limits for broadcast TV
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Federal Communications Commission voted Thursday to rescind the rule that bars local broadcast station owners from reaching more than 39% of U.S. TV households in a move that could spark industry consolidation.
FCC Clears Path for Expanded TV Station Ownership.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has decided to relax the TV station ownership cap in an attempt to help local broadcasters consolidate and compete with streaming giants.PULSE POINTS WHAT HAPPENED: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to relax limits on TV station ownership. DETAIL: In a 2-1 vote, the FCC has allowed companies to own local stations covering more than 39 percent of households in the United States. The …
FCC votes to lift broadcast ownership cap
The FCC on Thursday voted 2-1 to eliminate the national TV ownership cap rule that bars a single broadcaster from owning stations that reach more than 39% of U.S. TV households.Why it matters: The party-line vote clears the way for local broadcasters to merge, giving single broadcast ownership groups far more reach than they previously could have. FCC chairman Brendan Carr has long argued that the cap was outdated and limits the ability of broad…
The Independent
The Independent (US)FCC ends 39% household cap on local TV station owners
The contentious vote and strong opposition underscore deep divisions over the future of local media ownership
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