Broadcast Ownership Hearing Set for Tuesday

The Senate Commerce Committee, chaired by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), will hold a hearing titled “We Interrupt This Program: Media Ownership in the Digital Age” on Tuesday, at 10:00 a.m. EST.

The session will examine the FCC’s broadcast media ownership rules—especially the national cap limiting a single broadcaster to reaching no more than 39% of U.S. television households—in light of shifting media consumption toward streaming and social media.

The hearing features witnesses including Chris Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax, who supports retaining current ownership caps, and Curtis LeGeyt, president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), who advocates for eliminating or relaxing the rules to help local broadcasters compete.

Ted Cruz

Cruz emphasized the need to assess whether the rules remain legally sound, are outdated, or require updates to foster competition and guard against corporate censorship targeting conservatives. “The media market is changing rapidly, leading many to wonder if broadcast media ownership rules should reflect this new reality,” he stated.

The review occurs amid the FCC’s ongoing 2022 Quadrennial Review of ownership regulations, where Chair Brendan Carr has signaled openness to modifications to bolster local broadcasters, though no final decision has been made. Recent major deals, such as those involving Nexstar, would necessitate rule changes to proceed.

The original purpose of these rules—to promote competition and viewpoint diversity by restricting consolidation—faces scrutiny as video viewing shifts online. Some experts note the 39% national cap is statutory and can only be altered by Congress, not FCC regulation alone. Critics warn that easing restrictions could reduce conservative voices on broadcast TV.