Key facts
- The FCC voted to eliminate the national TV ownership cap, allowing companies to own stations reaching over 39% of US TV households.
- Commissioners Brendan Carr and Olivia Trusty voted in favor, while Anna M Gomez voted against.
- The decision is seen as a win for large broadcasters like Sinclair and Nexstar.
- Critics argue the FCC lacks the authority to change the cap without congressional action.
- Advocacy groups plan to challenge the decision in court.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 2-1 along party lines to eliminate the national television ownership cap, a rule that previously prevented any single company from owning stations reaching more than 39% of U.S. TV households. This decision, supported by Republican commissioners Brendan Carr and Olivia Trusty, is viewed as a significant victory for large television conglomerates such as Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar, potentially enabling them to expand their reach.
FCC media bureau officials argued that the cap was outdated and constrained local television networks from increasing their scale. Commissioner Carr stated that repealing the cap would provide essential relief for local broadcasters and restore balance to the airwaves. However, Democratic Commissioner Anna M Gomez dissented, calling the move unlawful and a violation of statutory boundaries, asserting that only Congress has the authority to change the cap.
The vote has drawn criticism from press freedom and media pluralism advocates. Groups like Free Press and Reporters Without Borders North America argue that the decision will lead to excessive media concentration, job cuts for journalists, and a decline in local news quality. Free Press announced plans to challenge the FCC's decision in court, a move Commissioner Carr indicated he is prepared to litigate.
This ruling comes after the FCC granted a waiver of the ownership cap in March to approve the $6.2 billion merger of Nexstar and Tegna, though that deal is currently held up by a temporary injunction from a California judge. Sinclair CEO Chris Ripley expressed satisfaction with the overturn of the cap.