Coalition Challenges FCC Move to Deregulate TV Ownership

The filing challenges a 2-1 party-line vote pushed by FCC Chair Brendan Carr, claiming the agency ignored federal law. According to the coalition, only Congress possesses the authority to modify the ownership cap, which was designed to prevent a handful of companies from dominating the airwaves. Matt Wood of Free Press stated that the agency’s leadership is prioritizing political alignment over the public interest, accusing the commission of catering to large conglomerates while threatening broadcasters who criticize the administration.

This legal challenge follows the FCC’s recent publication of the final order repealing the National Television Multiple Ownership Rule—a policy shift that critics say was pre-empted by the agency's earlier approval of Nexstar’s $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna. That merger alone provides Nexstar access to nearly 80% of U.S. households. Clayton Weimers of Reporters Without Borders warned that the repeal threatens media pluralism and local journalism jobs, ultimately leaving consumers with fewer choices.

Opposition is also mounting from the cable sector. Industry groups are preparing separate lawsuits, arguing the FCC’s decision was arbitrary and capricious. They contend that allowing broadcast groups to exceed the national cap will inevitably trigger higher retransmission fees, which will be passed directly to households in the form of increased monthly cable bills.