FCC Chairman Brendan Carr pushes a proposal that could reshape the media landscape, tackling everything from media ownership caps to the tech giants strangling the lifeblood out of local journalism.
At a Glance
- Brendan Carr advocates for the FCC to urgently support local broadcasters against big tech dominance.
- FCC’s outdated media ownership regulations hinder local station investments according to Carr.
- NAB advocates modernizing ownership rules to empower broadcasters in competing with tech platforms.
- With the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals reviewing FCC’s December 2023 order, momentum builds around ownership reforms.
- The divide within the radio industry highlights concerns about competition and ownership changes.
FCC’s Responsibility to Local Media
The FCC faces mounting pressure, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, to reform media ownership rules that have long stifled local broadcasters. Big tech companies like Google and Facebook have poached local ad revenues, leaving stations underfunded and vulnerable. Carr’s proposal aims to level the playing field, enabling local broadcasters to capture more advertising dollars. “Fundamentally, advertising is what supports local journalism and big tech companies have been taking so many of those local ad dollars. So, the FCC needs to not sit idly by.” – Brendan Carr.
Carr points out that decades-old ownership regulations are ill-suited to the modern media environment. With tech giants operating without restrictions, local broadcasters find themselves shackled by arbitrary caps on how many stations they can own, limiting their growth and community services.
Industry and Legal Pushbacks
While Carr’s proposals seek to unleash potential in local broadcasting, the radio industry and various stakeholders display mixed reactions. The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters worry about repercussions on AM stations, while others fear intensified competition from larger conglomerates. Meanwhile, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals gears up to review whether the FCC’s December 2023 order sufficiently unraveled antiquated broadcast rules. Their Ruling may further catalyze or obstruct Carr’s reform campaign.
“Looking at ownership reform might be one way to do it. We have these arcane artificial limits on how many TV stations any one company can own. And of course, that doesn’t apply to Big Tech.” – Brendan Carr.
FCC’s current rules limit media owners to reach no more than 39% of national TV households, leaving them ill-equipped to compete against unrestricted tech behemoths. Anyone advocating for media-related family values and conservative ideologies should take notice—the longer tech monopolies control information flows, the further eroded community voices become.
NAB’s Modernization Campaign
In response, NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt is at the frontline, rallying broadcasters to advocate aggressively for swift modernization of ownership regulations. “This campaign underscores the urgent need to modernize outdated FCC ownership regulations that put the future of local TV and radio stations at risk,” said Curtis LeGeyt. By mobilizing over 500 broadcasters and educators, NAB seeks to empower local stations and redefine how they serve their communities, even in emergencies.
With sector-wide tensions and legal challenges unfolding, the next steps taken by the FCC could dictate the direction of American media. Whether Carr’s initiative to aid local journalism is embraced or confronted head-on will soon be revealed. The potential recalibration of media ownership awaits a critical juncture, with FCC decisions set to affect the future of American broadcasting and possibly, public trust in local reporting.
