Federal Communications Commission scraps limit on broadcast TV ownership

The Federal Communications Commission voted 2-1 to eliminate a 22-year-old cap that prevented any single company from owning broadcast stations reaching more than 39% of U.S. television households, replacing it with a case-by-case review process. The decision, championed by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr as necessary for local broadcasters to compete, is expected to face legal challenges from consumer advocacy groups and the lone Democratic commissioner who called it "unlawful." The move could facilitate major media consolidation, particularly benefiting Nexstar Media Group's attempted $6.2 billion acquisition of rival broadcaster Tegna.