Cable lobby to sue Trump FCC over repeal of national TV ownership cap
Summary
Cable companies are preparing to sue the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to stop the removal of a rule that limits how many TV stations one company can own nationwide. The cable groups say lifting this limit will let big TV groups charge higher fees, which will raise costs for TV viewers.Key Facts
- The FCC removed the National Television Ownership Rule, which capped TV station ownership at 39% of U.S. households.
- Cable groups, including Comcast, Charter, and Cox, argue this repeal will let big broadcasters demand higher fees from TV providers.
- These higher fees could increase monthly bills for consumers who watch TV.
- Congress set the 39% ownership cap in 2004 through the Consolidated Appropriations Act.
- Cable groups filed a petition asking the FCC to keep the cap until courts decide if the repeal is legal.
- The FCC says it can change the cap because the law lets the agency adjust rules over time.
- The lawsuit will target the FCC’s authority to remove the cap, with cable groups seeking a court order to keep the cap in place during the case.
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr supports removing the strict cap and prefers reviewing ownership cases individually to promote the public interest.
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