FCC Probes if Big TV Networks Are Squeezing Local Stations Dry
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Notice
Summary
The FCC wants to help local TV stations better serve their communities by checking if national programmers and local stations are working well together. They’re asking for ideas on any problems that stop local stations from doing their best public service. Comments are open until December 10, 2025, so broadcasters and viewers can share their thoughts soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
FCC probes network influence on affiliates
The FCC is asking whether national programmers (including the Big Four: ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox) are exerting undue influence over local affiliate stations and whether that influence prevents stations from serving their local communities. The agency is seeking comments by December 10, 2025 on whether networks use leverage in affiliation agreements that hurts local news and other local programming.
Review of Section 73.658 affiliation rules
The FCC is requesting comment on how affiliation agreements interact with Section 73.658 of its rules (which covers exclusive affiliation, territorial exclusivity, option-time, right-to-reject, and the dual network rule). Commenters are asked to provide examples and explain the effect on stations' ability to serve local needs.
Right-to-reject and preemption protections under review
The FCC seeks input on whether national programmers are able to punish or deter local stations from using their right-to-reject preemptions for breaking news or other local priorities. The agency specifically asks whether affiliation agreements impose penalties on affiliates for lawful preemptions.
Possible remedial steps for offending contracts
The FCC is asking whether, if it finds certain affiliation contract provisions unlawful, it should declare those provisions unenforceable, provide a safe harbor to renegotiate within a specified period not to exceed the station's next license renewal filing period, or more closely review affiliate agreements during license renewals. The agency seeks comment on these remedial options.
Consideration of good-faith bargaining rules
The FCC is asking whether networks and their affiliate stations should be subject to good-faith bargaining rules similar to those that govern retransmission consent negotiations between stations and multichannel video programming distributors. The notice asks what authority the Commission would have to adopt such rules.
Inquiry into market changes hurting small stations
The FCC seeks comment on how industry changes — including consolidation of station ownership, the introduction of NextGen TV, growth of streaming services, and cord-cutting — have changed bargaining power between networks and affiliates and whether smaller station groups or single stations face more onerous affiliation terms.
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