FCC to Vote on Repealing 39% TV Ownership Cap

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will vote on repealing the National Television Ownership Rule, which limits a single broadcast station owner's reach to no more than 39 percent of U.S. television households. The proposed repeal is likely to trigger legal battles over the FCC's authority to dismantle a limit set by Congress.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has previously indicated a flexible approach to the rule. In March, the FCC granted Nexstar Media Group a waiver to acquire Tegna, allowing Nexstar to reach over half of U.S. TV households. The commission argued that Congress had empowered it to modify or waive the ownership rule.

Carr announced plans on Tuesday to eliminate the 39 percent cap entirely. It would be replaced by a "case-by-case review" for each proposed merger, according to an op-ed published on Breitbart. This shift would grant the FCC greater discretion in approving media conglomerates that exceed the current limit. Critics suggest this could favor news organizations perceived as aligning with President Trump's administration.

The move signals a potential loosening of restrictions on media consolidation, opening doors for further industry mergers and acquisitions, while simultaneously raising concerns about media diversity and potential political influence.