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Trump FCC kills TV ownership cap, claiming authority over limit set by Congress
Ars Technica • • business
Key Points:
- The FCC voted 2–1 to eliminate the National Television Ownership Rule, which capped a single broadcast owner’s reach at 39% of U.S. TV households, replacing it with a case-by-case merger review.
- Chairman Brendan Carr argues the repeal will help broadcasters compete with streaming services and invest in local news, while opponents warn it could lead to media consolidation and reduced local journalism.
- The rule’s repeal faces legal challenges since Congress set the 39% cap in 2004 and barred FCC modifications during quadrennial reviews; media advocates plan to sue to block the change.
- Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez opposed the repeal, stating only Congress can change the cap and warning that consolidation may harm local broadcasters and communities.
- The decision tests the FCC’s authority post-2024 Supreme Court rulings limiting agency deference, with Carr asserting past FCC chairs supported modifying the cap but courts will ultimately decide.
