WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission is set to repeal a long-standing rule that limits how many local television stations a single company can own nationwide, removing the 39 percent cap on U.S. TV households that has been in place for decades.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has advanced the proposal, framing it as a measure to help local news operations. The commission released a Draft Order last week outlining the repeal.
The National Association of Broadcasters expressed strong support. The trade group represents thousands of radio and television broadcasters across the United States.
"The National Association of Broadcasters applauds Chairman Carr and the FCC for moving forward with consideration of an order to eliminate the national television ownership cap," an NAB spokesperson said.
Critics argue that eliminating the cap will accelerate consolidation in the broadcast industry, reducing independent voices and weakening local news coverage.
The repeal is a victory for large broadcast groups that have long sought to expand their market share. It also aligns with the interests of media organizations perceived as favorable to the Trump administration.
If the FCC adopts the order, companies could move quickly to acquire stations across the country, triggering a wave of mergers in the television broadcast sector.
Commissioners are scheduled to vote at the FCC's regular monthly open meeting in Aug. Carr argues the change benefits local news; opponents say it will concentrate ownership and reduce community representation.
