By George Winslow, TVTechnology.com, 8-6-26
In a landmark vote that is likely to encourage a wave of deals in the broadcast station business, the Federal Communications Commission has voted to change TV station ownership rules in a way that would allow the agency to approve mergers that exceed the caps on a case-by-case basis if they are “in the public interest.”
The 2-1 vote on party lines, with Commissioner Anna Gomez dissenting, was applauded by broadcasters who have lobbied for decades to end the caps. It is likely, however, to face lengthy legal challenges from opponents who argue the ownership limits can only be changed by Congress. » Read More