Federal Register #2026-23040

FCC Repeals National Television Ownership Cap

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a regulatory change to national television ownership limits. - Government buyer: No procurement buyer; the action was issued by the FCC. - Regulatory change: Repeals the rule limiting a commercial television licensee’s aggregate national audience reach to 39%. - Review approach: Transactions previously barred by the cap will receive case-by-case review considering localism, competition, and viewpoint diversity. - Procurement items: No products, services, quantities, OEMs, or vendors are requested.

Description

The Federal Communications Commission repeals the national television multiple ownership rule, which prohibited commercial television licensees from having interests in stations with aggregate national audience reach above 39%. The Commission states that repeal will help local broadcast television stations serve their communities amid changes in the media marketplace. Proposed transactions formerly prohibited under the cap will be reviewed case by case, considering localism, competition, and viewpoint diversity. The repeal of 47 CFR 73.3555(e) is effective January 11, 2027.

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