The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially ended the national broadcast ownership cap, a rule that limited how many TV stations a single owner could control. In a vote held on Thursday, the agency's two Republican commissioners, Chair Brendan Carr and Commissioner Olivia Trusty, voted to eliminate the cap, while Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez dissented.
The cap previously restricted broadcast owners from holding stations that collectively reach more than 39 percent of U.S. TV households. The decision formalizes a policy that Carr has long criticized, and which he announced last month he would seek to end at the FCC's open meeting.
With the cap removed, the FCC says it will now evaluate broadcast ownership on a case-by-case basis, potentially allowing larger media groups to acquire more stations. This move is expected to accelerate consolidation in the broadcast industry, as companies seek to scale up in an increasingly competitive media environment.
Critics argue that the removal of the cap could reduce diversity in local news and lead to fewer independent voices. Supporters, however, contend that the rule was outdated and hindered broadcasters' ability to compete with digital platforms.
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