FCC to Examine Radio and Television Ownership Restrictions During Quadrennial Review

The FCC will focus on media ownership restrictions during its upcoming quadrennial review of the broadcast ownership rules. The restrictions limit the number of radio or television stations that can be commonly owned in a market, and prohibit the “Big Four” broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC) from merging. The FCC will also examine proposals by the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council designed to promote ownership diversity.

On December 12, 2018, the FCC is expected to adopt a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (available here) that summarizes the ownership rules under consideration, but does not include specific proposals or tentative conclusions. The public will then have the opportunity to comment on the issues raised in the NPRM.

If you have any questions about the NPRM or the ownership rules at issue, please contact any attorney in our office.