FCC Ends TV Ownership Cap

The FCC scrapped a cap limiting how many local TV stations one company can own.

•Balanced

FCC Votes To Completely Change Local Media Landscape And Some Are Incensed

FCC rule change would allow more broadcast mergers, but it's not clear the FCC has that power

FCC repeals 39% cap on national broadcast TV ownership - UPI.com

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A neutral summary of the key facts most outlets agree on, drawn from reporting across the political spectrum.

The FCC voted 2-1 on Aug. 6 to repeal the National Television Ownership Rule, ending a 22-year-old cap that barred any broadcaster from owning stations reaching more than 39% of U.S. television households. The agency will replace the fixed limit with case-by-case review of proposed station acquisitions under a public-interest standard. Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Olivia Trusty voted for repeal; Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez dissented, saying Congress set the cap in 2004. The change could enable larger broadcast mergers and is expected to face court challenges over the FCC’s authority.

Analysis & opinion

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Consolidation unleashedBalanced

Ending the broadcast ownership cap will allow bigger television mergers and greater media consolidation. The change opens the door for large broadcasters to expand their reach far beyond the old limits.