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The Federal Communications Commission has voted to eliminate longstanding restrictions on broadcast television ownership, marking a significant regulatory shift. The 2-1 decision, supported by Republican Chair Brendan Carr and Commissioner Olivia Trusty, removes a cap that previously prevented any single owner from controlling stations reaching more than 39 percent of American households. Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez opposed the move.
Under the new framework, broadcast consolidation decisions will be evaluated on an individual basis rather than subject to a fixed numerical limit. The FCC states this case-by-case approach will determine whether specific mergers serve the public interest, eliminating the need for special waivers to bypass the former rule. Carr has previously argued that the ownership cap placed broadcasters at a competitive disadvantage compared to digital media platforms that operate without similar restrictions.
Critics contend the policy change threatens local news coverage and could increase consumer costs by enabling larger media conglomerates to accumulate stations with minimal oversight. Opponents also argue that Congress, not the FCC, holds authority to modify the ownership cap since it was established through legislation in 2004. This legal question may prompt future court challenges to the agency’s action.
The decision follows prior FCC approvals for major broadcast deals, including a $6.2 billion merger that previously required an ownership cap waiver. A federal judge has temporarily blocked that transaction while state attorneys general challenge its approval.
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Originally reported by Theverge →
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