FCC to Repeal 39% TV Ownership Cap, Favoring Trump-Friendly News Orgs

The Federal Communications Commission will vote to repeal the National Television Ownership Rule, which prevents a single broadcast station owner from reaching more than 39 percent of all TV households in the US. The proposed change sets up a likely court battle over the FCC claim that it has authority to repeal a limit set by Congress. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has already treated the rule as more of a suggestion.

In March, the Carr FCC granted a waiver allowing Nexstar Media Group to buy Tegna in a deal that let it reach over half of TV households. The Carr FCC argued that Congress gave it authority to modify or waive the rule. Carr now plans to repeal the 39 percent limit and replace it with a "case-by-case review" of each proposed merger, the chairman announced today in an op-ed published on Breitbart.

The change would make it easier for the FCC to pick and choose which station groups get to surpass the limit. Under Carr, this would likely benefit news companies that provide favorable coverage for President Trump. The repeal of the TV ownership cap could have significant implications for the media industry, potentially leading to further consolidation and the emergence of larger media conglomerates.

This move is likely to benefit news organizations that align with President Trump's views, such as Breitbart, where Carr published his op-ed. The change could also raise concerns about media diversity and the concentration of ownership, potentially leading to a more homogeneous media environment. As the FCC moves forward with its plans, it is likely to face opposition from critics who argue that the repeal of the ownership cap will harm local communities and undermine the integrity of the media.

The FCC's decision will have far-reaching consequences for the media industry, and its impact will be closely watched by stakeholders and observers alike.