Federal Communications Commission scraps limit on broadcast TV ownership

In a 3-2 party-line vote, the Federal Communications Commission eliminated the 1941-era rule limiting any one broadcaster from reaching more than 39% of U.S. TV households, as well as the cross-ownership ban that prohibited a company from owning a newspaper and a broadcast station in the same local market. The move is a win for large broadcasters such as Sinclair and Nexstar, which have long argued the limits are outdated in an era of cable and streaming competition. Consumer advocacy groups and some lawmakers have vowed to challenge the decision in court, warning it will accelerate local news consolidation and reduce viewpoint diversity. The FCC's action does not require congressional approval, but legal challenges could delay or block implementation.