FCC to repeal 39% TV ownership cap in boost for Trump-friendly news orgs

Key Points:

• The FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, plans to repeal the National Television Ownership Rule that limits a single broadcast owner from reaching more than 39% of US TV households, replacing it with a case-by-case review of mergers.
• Carr's move follows a waiver granted to Nexstar Media Group, allowing it to exceed the cap by acquiring Tegna, a deal that has sparked legal challenges and accusations that the FCC is exceeding its authority.
• Critics, including FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, argue that only Congress can change the ownership cap and warn that repealing the rule would harm local news, increase consolidation, and benefit wealthy allies of the Trump administration.
• Supporters like Nexstar and the National Association of Broadcasters claim the current ownership limits are outdated and hinder broadcasters' ability to compete with digital platforms, asserting that modernization will support local journalism.
• The repeal vote scheduled for August 6 is expected to trigger legal battles over the FCC's authority, with opponents citing past Congressional actions that reinforced the 39% cap and prohibited FCC waivers.