Brendan Carr Leads FCC Vote to Repeal National Television Ownership Rule
The Federal Communications Commission voted 2–1 to eliminate the National Television Ownership Rule, which previously prohibited a single broadcast station owner from reaching more than 39 percent of all U.S. television households. Brendan Carr, the Republican FCC Chairman, argued that the rule was an outdated restriction that prevented local broadcasters from competing on a level playing field against streaming giants like Netflix and YouTube. The administration announced the repeal will be replaced by a "case-by-case review" process, allowing the agency to approve mergers based on the public interest. While supporters like Nexstar Media Group hailed the move as a necessary recognition of the modern media landscape, critics expressed concern over potential corporate consolidation. Anna Gomez, the lone Democratic commissioner, argued that the only authority to change the cap lies with Congress. The administration announced the move as a win for media companies aligned with President Trump, though critics warned it could lead to more dominant broadcasters and fewer independent stations.