FCC ends 39% TV ownership cap in 2-1 vote
The short version
The Federal Communications Commission voted 2-1 to end a 24-year-old cap on national TV station ownership. The rule, which limited any single company to reaching 39% of US TV households, has been replaced with case-by-case reviews.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 2-1 to eliminate the National Television Ownership Rule on August 6, 2026.2,1 The rule, in place for 24 years, capped national TV station ownership at 39% of US TV households.2,1 The FCC replaced the cap with a case-by-case review process for future ownership applications.1
FCC Chair Brendan Carr and Commissioner Olivia Trusty, both Republicans, voted to end the ownership cap.2 The vote followed a contentious process with strong opposition from Democratic commissioners and outside groups.4 The FCC claimed authority to repeal the limit despite it being set by Congress over two decades ago.1
The decision is expected to enable greater industry consolidation among major broadcast groups.5,3 Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group are cited as likely beneficiaries of the rule change.3 The FCC's two Republican commissioners supported the repeal, while the Democratic commissioner opposed it.2,1
The vote marks the end of a decades-old policy designed to limit media concentration in broadcast television.5,1 The FCC stated the change would allow for more flexible ownership structures in the broadcasting sector.5 Critics argued the repeal could reduce local media diversity and increase corporate control of news content.4
Why it matters
The National Television Ownership Rule was established in 2002 to prevent excessive media consolidation by limiting how many TV households a single company could reach.2,1
The Federal Communications Commission is the US agency responsible for regulating interstate communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.2
The 39% cap applied to the combined reach of all TV stations owned by a single company across the United States.2,1
This account was written from the 5 reports listed below, filed by 5 independent outlets, and checked against them line by line. It is not a copy of any one of them. Spotted an error? Tell us.
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