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FCC Reviews Proposal to Eliminate Broadcaster Ownership Caps

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 15:14 GMT by TV Technology
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Washington D.C. - February 5th, 2026 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently reviewing a proposal by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) to eliminate longstanding ownership caps, a move that has ignited a debate about the future of media diversity and local broadcasting. The NAB argues that these restrictions are outdated, hindering innovation and disproportionately impacting smaller, diverse broadcasters, particularly those with religious programming.

The core of the NAB's argument, formally submitted to the FCC last week, centers on the rapidly evolving media landscape. Traditional broadcast radio and television are facing unprecedented competition from streaming services, digital platforms, and social media. The NAB contends that strict ownership rules, initially designed to prevent monopolies and promote competition, now impede broadcasters' ability to adapt, invest in new technologies, and ultimately, remain competitive.

NAB President and CEO Curtis Dubay has been vocal about the issue, stating that the current rules "have restricted the ability of broadcasters to serve their communities...disproportionately hurt[ing] diverse voices such as religious broadcasters, minority-owned stations and other important outlets." Dubay believes removing these caps will unlock crucial investment and allow broadcasters to thrive in a challenging environment.

The Specifics of the Proposal The proposed changes would eliminate several key ownership limitations. Currently, the FCC restricts the number of radio and television stations a single entity can own, both nationally and within local markets. These limits are designed to prevent excessive concentration of media ownership and ensure a variety of perspectives are represented. The NAB proposal seeks to remove these numerical caps, as well as restrictions on cross-ownership - the practice of owning both radio and television stations in the same market. It also addresses limitations related to ownership of digital resources connected to broadcasting, reflecting the increasing importance of online platforms.

Why Religious Broadcasters Are Key to the Debate The emphasis on religious broadcasters is a significant aspect of the NAB's campaign. Historically, these stations have relied heavily on traditional over-the-air broadcasting to reach their audiences. With the shift towards digital media, they face unique challenges in maintaining their reach and financial viability. The NAB argues that removing ownership caps would allow these stations to merge or be acquired by larger entities, providing them with the resources necessary to compete with larger, digitally-focused content providers. Some view this as a way to preserve a valuable voice in the media ecosystem, while others express concern about the potential for consolidation and a narrowing of viewpoints.

Critics Raise Concerns About Consolidation

Not everyone agrees with the NAB's assessment. Critics argue that eliminating ownership caps would lead to further consolidation of the media landscape, resulting in fewer independent voices and a decrease in local news coverage. They point to previous rounds of deregulation, which they say have already contributed to a decline in media diversity and the rise of corporate media giants. Consumer advocacy groups fear that larger media companies will prioritize profits over public service, leading to a reduction in investigative journalism, local programming, and coverage of marginalized communities.

"The FCC needs to prioritize the public interest, not the bottom lines of large corporations," stated Sarah Chen, Director of Media Watchdog, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting media diversity. "Removing ownership caps will only exacerbate the existing problem of media consolidation, leading to fewer choices for consumers and a weakening of our democracy."

The debate also extends to the impact on minority-owned stations. While the NAB argues that eliminating caps will benefit these stations, some fear that they will become vulnerable to acquisition by larger companies, potentially leading to a loss of culturally relevant programming and a reduction in representation.

The FCC's Deliberation The FCC is expected to hold a series of public hearings and workshops in the coming months to gather input from stakeholders. The agency will then analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks of the proposed changes before issuing a final decision. The outcome could have a profound impact on the future of broadcasting, shaping the media landscape for years to come. Many experts believe the FCC will likely adopt a compromise, perhaps modifying existing caps rather than eliminating them entirely. The Commission faces a difficult balancing act: fostering innovation and competition while simultaneously protecting media diversity and the public interest.

The debate highlights a fundamental tension in media regulation - the need to encourage investment and innovation while safeguarding the principles of a free and diverse press.