American Television Alliance Condemns FCC Decision to Repeal National Broadcast Ownership Cap

ATVA Warns Decision Will Fuel Big Media Consolidation, Threaten Local News and Raise Consumer Prices

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the American Television Alliance (ATVA) released a statement condemning the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to repeal the 39 percent national broadcast ownership cap at its August Open Meeting.

“The FCC’s decision to eliminate the national broadcast ownership cap is a serious setback for American consumers and local communities,” said ATVA spokesman Hunter Wilson. “Congress established the 39 percent national ownership cap in 2004 to protect localism, viewpoint diversity and consumer choice. By eliminating this safeguard, the FCC has ignored Congressional intent and opened the door to unchecked ‘Big Broadcast’ consolidation that will drive up costs for viewers and reduce local news programming.”

Since 2010, broadcasters have levied more than 2,500 TV blackouts and increased retransmission consent fees by an overwhelming 2,000 percent, with American TV viewers paying the price. During that time, viewership among the Big Four broadcast networks dropped by nearly 50 percent, while station ownership from the nation’s largest broadcasters increased by nearly 500 percent. As broadcaster consolidation accelerates, consumer costs continue to rise.

ATVA stands ready to work with Congress to modernize dated regulations that turn sizable profits for broadcasters at the expense of consumers. To learn more about ATVA’s work, visit https://americantelevisionalliance.org/about-the-issue/.

Read more about the FCC’s lack of statutory authority to revise national ownership caps HERE.