FCC removes key limit on media ownership, raising potential for major consolidation of broadcast TV stations

The FCC removed a key constraint on broadcasters’ ability to consolidate stations, voting to repeal an ownership cap put in place to try to limit to power of any one media company.

The FCC’s 2-1 vote on Thursday was to repeal a restriction that limits companies from owning stations reaching more than 39% of TV households. But it faces a potential court challenge, amid warnings that only Congress has the authority to remove the restriction.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said that the move was long overdue given the dramatic changes to the competitive landscape, warning that inaction risked seeing local stations “going the way of newspapers.”

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