FCC scraps 39% cap on broadcast TV ownership, paving way for media consolidation
Federal Communications Commission scraps limit on broadcast TV ownership
The Federal Communications Commission voted 2-1 to eliminate the 22-year-old rule limiting a single company's reach to 39% of U.S. TV households, replacing it with a case-by-case review. Chairman Brendan Carr argued the cap was outdated and hindered local broadcasters, while critics, including Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez and consumer group Free Press, called the move unlawful and a boon to large station groups like Nexstar Media Group, which is seeking to acquire Tegna. The decision is expected to face legal challenges.
The cap no longer constrains the power of national programmers. Instead, it prevents local broadcasters from competing on a level playing field.