FCC Scraps 39% Broadcast Cap, Shifting TV Mergers to Case-by-Case Review
Updated
Updated · The Bulwark · Aug 7
FCC Scraps 39% Broadcast Cap, Shifting TV Mergers to Case-by-Case Review
3 articles · Updated · The Bulwark · Aug 7
Summary
A 2-1 FCC vote ended the 39% national TV ownership cap, clearing the way for larger broadcast groups to buy more stations.
The agency said deals above the old limit will now be judged individually, arguing localism, competition and viewpoint diversity can be assessed transaction by transaction.
Critics say the FCC lacks authority to erase a cap Congress set in 2004 and warn the new approach could let politically favored owners consolidate control.
The change marks a major deregulatory shift for local television, with opponents predicting fewer independent stations, newsroom job cuts and weaker local news.