The FCC has removed a major barrier for broadcast ownership consolidation. The agency voted to eliminate the national TV ownership cap on Thursday.
What We Know: The FCC voted 2-1 to repeal the rule preventing broadcasters from owning stations reaching more than 39% of U.S. television households. The restriction had limited how large station groups could grow, but broadcasters argued the rule prevented them from competing with technology companies that have captured local advertising revenue. However, the decision could face a legal challenge. Critics have argued that only Congress has the authority to eliminate the ownership restriction. Meanwhile, the change arrives as companies continue pursuing larger broadcast footprints. Nexstar Media Group has been among the strongest supporters of removing the cap. The company recently received approval to merge with TEGNA, creating a combined operation with roughly 260 stations before legal challenges forced the companies to keep assets separate.
What They Said: “It is time to restore balance to the broadcast airwaves. Repealing the national cap will provide essential relief to local broadcasters by restoring a healthy counterbalance to the growing leverage of national programmers.” -FCC Chair Brendan Carr
“The large station groups positioned to grow even larger under this decision are not local broadcasters, they are national companies that own local stations and increasingly dictate what airs on them. Trading a squeeze from Big Tech for a squeeze from Big Media does nothing to protect the communities this cap was designed to serve.” -FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez
What Remains Unclear: The biggest question centers on whether opponents will successfully challenge the FCC’s authority to remove the cap. Additionally, local broadcasters will face scrutiny over whether consolidation improves programming or reduces newsroom resources.
What It Means: The FCC’s decision gives broadcast groups more flexibility to expand. Supporters believe larger companies can invest more in local journalism, while critics worry consolidation could weaken community-focused coverage.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.