Story perspectives

FCC Set to Repeal 39% Ownership Cap, Vote Aug 6

7/16/2026

Summary

FCC Repeals Cap

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will vote on August 6 to repeal the 39 percent broadcast ownership cap.
Chair Brendan Carr says the rule is outdated and harms broadcasters versus streaming.
The vote is expected to pass 2-1, with two Republicans for repeal and Democrat Anna Gomez against.
Gomez and public-interest groups argue the case-by-case approach exceeds FCC authority, threatens local news diversity, and should be decided by Congress.

Summary

Nunley Blocks Merger

Chief Judge Troy L. Nunley issued an injunction in April that blocks Nexstar Media Group and Tegna from merging.
The merger would have raised Nexstar’s stations from 164 to 265, including affiliates in San Diego and Sacramento, while Nexstar is appealing.
Chair Brendan Carr ordered a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) review of Disney’s eight stations after President Donald Trump demanded Kimmel be fired, arguing conglomerates harm local news and trust.

History

Historical Context

President Bill Clinton signed the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the first major overhaul of the 1934 Communications Act in nearly 62 years, to open telecom markets and promote competition. The reform sparked rapid station consolidation, shrinking the number of TV owners by the early 2000s. FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s effort to drop the audience cap and a court injunction revive the same competition concerns.

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FCC Repeals Cap

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will vote on August 6 to repeal the 39 percent broadcast ownership cap.
Chair Brendan Carr says the rule is outdated and harms broadcasters versus streaming.
The vote is expected to pass 2-1, with two Republicans for repeal and Democrat Anna Gomez against.
Gomez and public-interest groups argue the case-by-case approach exceeds FCC authority, threatens local news diversity, and should be decided by Congress.

1 / 3