The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is poised to vote on a proposal that would dismantle the National Television Ownership Rule, which limits a single broadcast station owner from reaching more than 39% of all TV households in the US. This move has sparked criticism from Commissioner Anna Gomez, who argues that it will enable billionaire-friendly news organizations to dominate local airwaves and silence community reporting.
The proposed change would replace the current rule with a case-by-case review of each proposed merger, allowing the FCC to pick and choose which station groups get to surpass the limit. This decision is likely to benefit news companies that provide favorable coverage for President Trump, given FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s previous statements about empowering local TV stations to serve the needs of their communities.
Carr’s plan would also allow larger media conglomerates to dominate local airwaves, further concentrating ownership and reducing competition. This could have serious implications for local newsrooms and community reporting, as well as drive up costs for American families who depend on local stations for news and emergency alerts.
Critics argue that only Congress has the authority to change the ownership cap, and that the FCC’s attempt to repeal it is unlawful. Commissioner Gomez stated that ‘Congress set the 39 percent national ownership cap in federal law, and only Congress has the authority to raise or eliminate it.’
The planned change is set to be voted on at the commission’s August 6 meeting and is likely to face legal challenges. The FCC was previously accused of exceeding its authority when it gave Nexstar a waiver that let it complete its Tegna deal, which now reaches 54.5% of households.
Background
The National Television Ownership Rule has been in place since the 1970s and is designed to prevent any single entity from dominating local airwaves. The rule limits a single broadcast station owner from reaching more than 39% of all TV households in the US, ensuring that local communities have access to diverse perspectives and viewpoints.
Implications
Repealing the ownership cap could lead to a further concentration of media ownership, reducing competition and driving up costs for American families. It could also silence community reporting and enable billionaire-friendly news organizations to dominate local airwaves.
Legal Challenges
Critics argue that only Congress has the authority to change the ownership cap, and that the FCC’s attempt to repeal it is unlawful. Commissioner Gomez stated that ‘Congress set the 39 percent national ownership cap in federal law, and only Congress has the authority to raise or eliminate it.’
Conclusion
The planned change is set to be voted on at the commission’s August 6 meeting and is likely to face legal challenges. The FCC must carefully consider the implications of repealing the ownership cap and ensure that any changes align with federal law.
Source: Original article