Cable Lobby to Sue FCC Over Repeal of TV Ownership Cap

Cable industry lobby groups have informed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of their intention to sue the agency, aiming to block the repeal of the National Television Ownership Rule. This rule previously limited the number of broadcast TV stations a single entity could own.

The cable groups argue that the repeal will empower larger broadcast TV station groups to demand higher retransmission fees from TV providers. They contend this will result in "higher monthly TV bills for consumers." The groups further assert that the FCC's repeal order "arbitrarily and capriciously ignores the harms that will surely follow from allowing broadcast station groups to exceed the National Cap."

The cable lobby represents major providers such as Comcast and Charter. These companies have also expanded their reach through acquisitions. Charter, for example, completed its purchase of Cox in August, despite protests from advocacy groups who claimed the deal would "create unchecked gatekeeper power over Internet distribution" and facilitate price increases by the largest cable operators.