Large majorities of likely voters in the 2026 midterms oppose large national broadcasters buying or merging with local TV stations, according to a new poll.
The survey, commissioned by the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) and the Defend the Press Campaign, found that 72% of respondents opposed such consolidations, with 52% strongly opposed. Opposition crossed party lines: 75% of Democrats, 70% of Republicans, and 69% of independents rejected the idea.
Conducted by Lake Research Partners among 1,000 likely 2026 midterm voters via live phone interviews and text-to-online methods, the poll also revealed:81% preferred local TV stations to remain locally owned rather than controlled by large national corporations (only 2% favored national ownership).
76% believed corporate mergers would lead to higher prices for cable, satellite, and streaming services.
Four out of five voters opposed regulatory changes allowing broadcasters to grow larger.
NHMC President & CEO Brenda Victoria Castillo stated, “The bottom line is that Americans across the political spectrum simply do not want local TV station consolidation.”
The poll highlights concerns over media consolidation amid FCC discussions on revising the national ownership cap (currently limiting reach to 39% of U.S. households) and amid ongoing debates about local news control and consumer costs.