Joint Statement on the FCC’s Overturning of the 39 percent National Broadcast Ownership Cap from NAHJ and HTTP
Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) overturned the 39 percent national broadcast ownership cap, a decision that raises significant concerns about media consolidation while at the same time raising an important question about the Commission’s authority to undo a cap expressly established by Congress.
A free, competitive, and open communications environment ensures that every community benefits from advances in technology and media. The national broadcast ownership cap was designed to serve this very function. It is a critical defense against media environments dominated by a handful of broadcasting companies.
The repercussions of overturning the cap are poised to impact marginalized communities and multilingual audiences, as these populations rely on regional broadcasting for essential information regarding elections, emergencies, public health, and civic life. Further consolidation that this decision promotes risks reducing locally produced journalism, multilingual coverage, and the range of voices serving these communities and their access to this important information.
Modernizing broadcasting rules for the digital and streaming era is a critical task that requires an appropriate role for Congress. The decision also raises substantial questions about the FCC’s authority to eliminate a national ownership limit established by Congress. Any modernization should safeguard a competitive media landscape that preserves local viewpoints and serves the broader public interest.
We recognize the significant competitive pressures facing local broadcasters and the need to modernize media ownership rules for the digital and streaming era. Any modernization, however, should preserve competition, local journalism, diverse ownership, and representative voices. We remain committed to working with Congress, the Commission, and broadcasters to guarantee that local broadcasters and diverse, representative viewpoints continue to flourish in our media landscape.
Learn more
/http/, NAHJ, LGBTTech & MMTC Statement on the Nexstar-Tegna Merger
NAHJ Statement on FCC Approval of the Nexstar-Tegna Merger
On the Hill: Advocating to Save Local Newsrooms and Protect Community Voices