Overview
- Chairman Brendan Carr announced the agency will vote on August 6 to eliminate the 39% national broadcast-ownership cap and to evaluate future deals individually under a public-interest standard.
- The 39% limit was written into law by Congress in 2004 and critics, including Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez, say only Congress can remove or raise that statutory cap.
- Observers say the FCC’s two-Republican majority makes administrative approval likely, but multiple outlets and officials report lawsuits and hearings are expected to follow if the rule is repealed.
- The move is tied to high-profile deals: Nexstar’s acquisition of Tegna, which the FCC previously waived and a federal judge has frozen with a preliminary injunction, would be directly affected by any rule change.
- Supporters such as Nexstar and the National Association of Broadcasters argue larger station groups will attract investment for local news, while opponents warn the change will speed consolidation, reduce newsroom jobs and concentrate local viewpoints.