Conservative Groups Join Call For Changing Ownership Regs

Over 20 conservative organizations and individuals, spearheaded by Heritage Action for America, sent a joint letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, pressing for a major overhaul of outdated broadcast ownership regulations from the 1940s. The coalition argues these rules stifle local radio and TV broadcasters’ ability to compete in today’s digital media environment.

“These rules may have served the public interest in last century’s marketplace,” the letter reads, “but they are now antiquated and harmful, curbing investment and innovation in broadcasting.”

The groups urge the FCC to eliminate the 39% national television ownership cap, local TV duopoly restrictions, and local radio ownership limits. Such changes, they claim, would enable broadcasters to gain the scale and efficiencies needed to compete in a fragmented media market and attract critical investment. The letter highlights regulatory disparities, noting that broadcasters face strict audience reach limits while tech giants like YouTube and Facebook operate without similar constraints.

National Association of Broadcasters President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt welcomed the support, stating, “Arbitrary regulations are hampering local TV and radio stations’ ability to compete with Big Tech. We applaud the call to modernize these outdated rules to level the playing field, ensuring broadcasters can deliver trusted news, sports, and entertainment.”

The letter praises Carr’s prior dissent against upholding the rules, quoting his view that the FCC ignores evidence of a vibrant media market and treats broadcast radio and TV as isolated sectors. This push aligns with recent appeals from over 70 House members, 22 Senators, and various community groups advocating similar reforms.

The coalition warns that without modernization, local broadcast services—vital for trusted information and emergency communications—could vanish, jeopardizing access for communities.