FCC plans to clear the way for more media consolidation
The FCC is planning a vote to potentially eliminate the national ownership cap for broadcast TV stations, which currently limits a single company to reaching 39 percent of US households. Republican Chair Brendan Carr argues that streaming and social media have made the rule obsolete, while critics warn it could harm local journalism and exceed the FCC's legal authority.
Why it matters
This move could lead to significant media consolidation, potentially reducing the diversity of local news voices and shifting the balance of power in the American media landscape.
The Federal Communications Commission will vote next month on whether a single company can own broadcast stations that reach more than 39 percent of US TV households.
In a Breitbart op-ed on Wednesday, Republican Chair Brendan Carr announced an August 6th vote to end the national ownership cap rule, which was intended to prevent one company from dominating the media landscape and incentivize serving local communities. Carr argued the rise of social media and streaming platforms renders the rule obsolete, because national programmers can reach “100 percent of the country” without the need to access public airwaves. Under this reasoning, capping local broadcast TV owners at 39 percent “is preventing them from gaining the same scale that their competitors are free to enjoy.”
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in