In June 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiated major changes. These changes affect how many broadcast stations a single company can own. The review, under Docket 25-133, will lead to a rollback of long-standing media ownership limits. These rules were designed to protect local news, viewpoint diversity, and competition in radio and television.
Industry giants like Nexstar, Sinclair, and Gray Media say these rules are outdated. They believe the rules prevent them from competing with digital platforms. But media advocates and community broadcasters warn: deregulation hurts the very foundations of local broadcasting.
What Deregulation Would Change
- Remove or raise the national ownership cap, now 39% TV reach
- Remove the “Top Four” local market rule that prevents duopolies of major affiliates
- Soften or remove newspaper and broadcast cross-ownership restrictions
In plain terms, large media companies own more stations in more places. They also control multiple top-rated outlets in the same city.
5 Ways FCC Deregulation Harm Local Broadcasting
1. Less Local News
More consolidation usually means fewer local reporters. Large station groups often cut costs by centralizing news production, replacing local coverage with syndicated or regional content. That means fewer stories about school boards, city councils, and communities.
2. Reduced Ownership Diversity
Relaxing ownership limits favors big players with access to capital. This puts independent, minority-owned, and community-focused stations at a disadvantage. It further reduces the already low number of women- and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-owned stations.
3. Homogenized Content
Stations acquired by national chains often adopt the same playlists, talk shows, and syndicated programming. This reduces local flavor and turns once-distinct stations into cookie-cutter clones.
4. Greater Editorial Control
More ownership means more power to dictate editorial direction. Critics warn this leads to top-down mandates on content that show corporate or political agendas. This can undermine local autonomy.
5. Fewer Local Jobs
When broadcasters merge, layoffs follow. Engineering, journalism, sales, and admin roles are often cut. That leaves fewer people to serve local communities or keep up technical standards.
Broadcasters Say It’s About Competing with Big Tech
Supporters of deregulation say the rules were made for an era of analog TV and over-the-air radio. Today, they argue, broadcasters compete with streaming services, podcasts, and social media platforms that are not bound by ownership limits.
A group of 22 U.S. Senators submitted a letter encouraging the FCC to modernize. More than 900 industry comments have been filed in support of lifting restrictions.
The Public Still Has a Say
The FCC’s review is still open. If you care about the future of local journalism, now is the time to speak up. Community radio and broadcast diversity are also crucial aspects to consider.
🔗 Submit a public comment on FCC Docket 25-133
Final Thoughts
Deregulation brings short-term gains to large media companies, but it comes at a real cost to local communities. The FCC must balance market realities with its core public service mission. At stake is the future of local radio and television in America.
💬 What’s your take on FCC deregulation? Share in the comments or file a statement with the FCC.
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