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The FCC is asking whether the Local Radio Ownership Rule should be changed or repealed.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The FCC is reviewing the Local Television Ownership Rule to decide if it should be kept, changed, or repealed.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The FCC is seeking comment on whether the Dual Network Rule should be revised or repealed.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.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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