FCC votes 2-1 to repeal 39% national TV ownership cap, replacing with case-by-case review

Published Aug 6, 08:30 PM UTC

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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 2-1 to repeal its 39% national television multiple ownership rule, replacing it with a case-by-case review. Chairman Brendan Carr argues the cap is outdated and hinders local broadcasters from competing with cable and streaming services. Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez dissented, stating the cap was set by Congress and only Congress can change it. Legal experts, including Sen. Ted Cruz and former Rep. Tom DeLay, question the FCC's authority to make this change without congressional action. Advocacy group Free Press plans to challenge the decision in court. The move follows a previous FCC waiver allowing Nexstar to acquire Tegna, which was later halted by a federal judge. Critics fear the change will allow Trump-aligned billionaires to monopolize broadcast TV stations.

Source

Reason.comWestern

Original headline: FCC Rule Change Would Allow More Broadcast Mergers, but It's Not Clear the FCC Has That Power.

Original language: EN-US

Part of this Story

FCC votes to eliminate national broadcast ownership cap, sparking legal uncertainty

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People and interests

Federal Communications Commission Ted Cruz