FCC Questions Old Rules on Who Controls Radio and TV Stations
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC is checking if its rules about who can own local radio and TV stations still make sense or need changes. This affects broadcasters and media companies who might see new ownership limits or freedoms. People have until December 17, 2025, to share their thoughts, and any changes could impact how media companies buy or sell stations in the future.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Possible Changes to Local Radio Caps
The FCC is asking whether the Local Radio Ownership Rule should be changed or repealed. The current rule lets an entity own up to eight commercial radio stations in markets with at least 45 stations (no more than five in one service), seven stations in 30–44 station markets (no more than four in one service), six stations in 15–29 station markets (no more than four in one service), and five stations in markets with 14 or fewer stations (no more than three in one service, plus a 50% market cap condition).
Review of Local TV Ownership Limits
The FCC is reviewing the Local Television Ownership Rule to decide if it should be kept, changed, or repealed. The rule currently allows ownership of up to two TV stations in the same Nielsen DMA if their service contours do not overlap or if, when filing, at least one station is not ranked among the top-four stations (the "Top-Four Prohibition"), a component that the Eighth Circuit vacated on July 23, 2025.
Reexamination of Dual Network Rule
The FCC is seeking comment on whether the Dual Network Rule should be revised or repealed. That rule effectively prohibits mergers among the Big Four broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC) by barring affiliation with multiple legacy networks defined as the Big Four as of February 8, 1996.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16740, Information Collection Being Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Emergency Review and Approval
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Comments are requested concerning: Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
2026-16615, Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions-2026
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review (Sep. 30, 1993), requires each agency to publish a regulatory agenda (Agenda) of regulations under development or review during the next year which will be included in the Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (Unified Agenda). 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). The Agenda required by Executive Order 12866 must include all regulations the agency expects to develop or review during the next 12 months, regardless of whether they may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Executive Order 12866 provides that agencies may combine this agenda with the regulatory flexibility agenda required under the RFA. To help keep the public informed of significant rulemaking proceedings and meet its obligations under the RFA and Executive Order 12866, the Commission has prepared Agenda entries providing a brief description and summary of each regulatory activity that is currently planned for the 12 months, subject to revision, including the objectives and legal basis for each, and the name and telephone number of an agency official who is knowledgeable about items in the agenda. The Commission's Agenda entries published in the Federal Register are only those entries for rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities pursuant to the RFA. The Commission's complete list of regulatory and deregulatory actions for the Unified Agenda will be published on the internet in a searchable format at www.reginfo.gov.
2026-16590, FCC To Review E-Rate Program To Ensure Congress's Vision
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) seeks comment on measures the Commission can take to better protect children when using E-Rate-funded networks, the Commission's progress in ensuring affordable access to high-speed broadband to and within schools and libraries, and whether the Commission's current interpretation of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is the best reading of the statute. The Commission also proposes actions to strengthen E-Rate program integrity and streamline program administration.
2026-16503, Empowering Broadband Consumers Through Transparency
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) eliminates or modifies certain broadband label requirements to ensure that consumers have clear, accurate, and concise information when shopping for broadband plans. Specifically, the Commission enables providers to describe label information in a natural, conversational style over the phone; simplify fee presentation to avoid clutter; remove outdated information from the label; use links or icons at point-of-sale to avoid unwieldy amounts of information that can overwhelm consumers; and eliminate requirements that go beyond our mandate. At the same time, the Commission ensures the labels remain accessible to people with disabilities, and that labels are displayed in the same language(s) used when marketing a service.
2026-16294, Privacy Act System of Records
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC, Commission, or Agency) proposes to modify an existing system of records, FCC/CGB-1, Informal Complaints, Inquiries, and Requests for Dispute Assistance, subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. This action is necessary to meet the requirements of the Privacy Act to publish in the Federal Register notice of the existence and character of records maintained by the agency. The Commission uses records in this system to handle and process informal complaints, inquiries, and requests for dispute assistance received from individuals, groups, and other entities. This modification makes various necessary changes and updates to accommodate new uses of the system to share certain anonymized or de-identified complaint data with the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Network.
2026-16298, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19992, Approval of Source-Specific Air Quality Implementation Plan; New York; Calpine JFK Energy Center
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to New York’s plan to cut pollution from six emergency boilers at the Calpine JFK Energy Center near JFK Airport. This update helps keep the air cleaner by controlling smog-causing nitrogen oxides (NOX) and meets all clean air rules. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by December 17, 2025!
Next: 2025-20008, Implementing Voluntary Agreements Under the Defense Production Act
The Department of Energy is rolling out a new plan to make voluntary agreements under the Defense Production Act easier and clearer. This affects companies involved in nuclear energy and national energy security, inviting them to share feedback by November 24, 2025. These agreements aim to boost the nuclear industry during energy emergencies without forcing anyone, helping keep the lights on and the country safe.