The FCC on Thursday voted 2-1 to eliminate the national TV ownership cap rule that bars a single broadcaster from owning stations that reach more than 39% of U.S. TV households. Why it matters: The party-line vote clears the way for local broadcasters to merge, giving single broadcast ownership groups far more reach than they previously could have. - FCC chairman Brendan Carr has long argued that the cap was outdated and limits the ability of broadcasters to consolidate to compete with tech firms and streamers. Zoom in: The FCC said in a statement that deals would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis that authorizes deals that satisfy the agency's public review standard. - "This will empower the FCC to approve deals that promote the…
The FCC plans to vote to eliminate the 39 percent national ownership cap on television stations, arguing that the reform will restore balance between local broadcasters and national media conglomerates.
PULSE POINTS WHAT HAPPENED: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed eliminating the national ownership cap, which currently prevents any single entity from controlling TV stations that reach more than 39 percent of U.S. households. The new plan would replace this blanket restriction with a case-by-case review process to ensure local broadcasters can better compete with national media conglomerates. DETAIL: The national ownership cap was originally introduced to prevent national media companies from dominating local markets. However, the FCC believes that changes in the media landscape, including the rise of streaming platforms and virtual cable providers, have rendered the cap ineffective at limiting the reach of…Open
PULSE POINTS WHAT HAPPENED: Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy announced his readiness to sue if the Federal Communications Commission removes a rule limiting local TV station ownership. WHO WAS INVOLVED: Christopher Ruddy, Federal Communications Commission, National Association of Broadcasters, Nexstar Media Group. WHEN & WHERE: Remarks made at a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee hearing. KEY QUOTE: […] The post Newsmax CEO Ruddy ‘Prepared to Litigate’ Against Trump Admin. appeared first on The National Pulse .
PULSE POINTS WHAT HAPPENED: Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy announced his readiness to sue if the Federal Communications Commission removes a rule limiting local TV station ownership. WHO WAS INVOLVED: Christopher Ruddy, Federal Communications Commission, National Association of Broadcasters, Nexstar Media Group. WHEN & WHERE: Remarks made at a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee hearing. KEY QUOTE: “I believe that it’s a blatant violation of congressional law…” – Christopher Ruddy IMPACT: Potential legal battle over FCC’s authority and implications for TV ownership rules. IN FULL Newsmax founder and CEO Christopher Ruddy stated his willingness to litigate if President Trump’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decides to…Open