Media ownership deregulation (especially the national TV cap), heightened public interest enforcement and free speech debates, spectrum transitions impacting distribution, Next Gen TV (ATSC 3.0) progress, Emergency Alert System cybersecurity upgrades, and ongoing technical/marketplace pressures are among the top radio and TV issues facing the Federal Communications Commission in 2026.
Under Chairman Brendan Carr, the FCC’s “Build America Agenda” and FY 2026–2030 Strategic Plan emphasize empowering and preserving local broadcasting, promoting free speech and competition, and modernizing rules amid declining traditional ad revenues and streaming competition.
Media Ownership Rules
The most prominent issue is broadcast ownership limits. In August 2026, the FCC voted (largely along partisan lines) to repeal the longstanding National Television Multiple Ownership Rule, which capped a single entity’s stations at 39% of U.S. TV households. It shifted to case-by-case public interest reviews of larger combinations, arguing this helps stations compete with national networks and digital platforms, attract capital, and invest in local programming.
Critics (including Commissioner Anna Gomez and others) contend only Congress can alter the statutory 39% cap (set in 2004 after earlier FCC attempts), that the change is unlawful, and that it risks greater consolidation, higher retransmission fees, reduced local journalism, and less viewpoint diversity. Related activity includes approvals or reviews of large deals (e.g., involving Nexstar-TEGNA and other station groups), local TV and radio ownership caps, dual network rules, and the ongoing 2022 Quadrennial Review. The National Association of Broadcasters has pushed aggressively for relief from “asymmetric” restrictions, citing AM/FM station declines and competitive pressures.
Public Interest Obligations, Content Scrutiny, and Enforcement
The FCC has intensified focus on broadcasters’ public interest duties (unique due to spectrum use), including news distortion policies, equal opportunities/political advertising rules (e.g., lowest unit charge interpretations and bona fide news exemptions for programs like The View), localism, and related complaints. High-profile actions include early license renewal orders and investigations involving ABC/Disney stations (tied to DEI allegations, on-air comments, and other matters), as well as other stations facing short-term renewals or violations.
These raise free speech concerns and debates over the Commission’s role in a fragmented media landscape. The Strategic Plan frames efforts around transparency, competition, and access to information while “ensuring broadcasters operate in the public interest.” Political advertising rules and equal opportunities remain active topics.
Spectrum and Distribution Issues
Other spectrum matters (unlicensed, wireless leadership) intersect with broadcasting less directly but form part of the broader agenda. Next Generation TV (ATSC 3.0) and Technical StandardsThe FCC continues supporting the voluntary transition to ATSC 3.0 (Next Gen TV) for improved video/audio, interactivity, emergency alerting, and potential datacasting/PNT uses. Progress includes market deployments (e.g., completing major DMAs), processing clarifications, and related rulemakings, though challenges persist around simulcasting requirements, consumer adoption, and costs. Low-power TV advocates have petitioned for voluntary 5G Broadcast alternatives. Radio technical issues include FM digital power, potential Class A power increases, and updates to obsolete rules.
Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Public Safety
In June 2026, the FCC adopted cybersecurity requirements for EAS participants (including radio and TV stations): strong/changed passwords (no defaults), timely security patches/firmware updates, and network firewalls or segmentation for relevant equipment (EAS, STLs, content insertion gear). A further notice seeks comments on authentication, geotargeting accuracy, duplicate alert blocking, software-based systems, and other modernizations to improve reliability and trust after past hijacking incidents. Compliance deadlines followed Federal Register publication.
Marketplace, Competition, and Other Pressures
Traditional radio and TV face ongoing ad revenue declines and competition from streaming, digital audio, and non-broadcast sources. The FCC has updated obsolete broadcast rules, processed licenses/renewals/assignments, and addressed regulatory fees. Broader themes include preserving local journalism and AM radio’s role in emergencies (with congressional interest), while navigating retransmission consent dynamics in a streaming era. These issues reflect tensions between deregulation to aid broadcasters’ viability, enforcement of traditional public interest standards, technological modernization, and spectrum reallocation priorities. Many remain subject to legal challenges, further rulemakings, congressional oversight, and marketplace evolution as of mid-to-late 2026.