Today’s 2-1 vote by the Federal Communications Commission to eliminate the outdated 39% national television ownership cap marks one of the most significant broadcast modernization efforts in more than two decades. Replacing the rigid national cap with a case-by-case public interest review recognizes the realities of today’s media marketplace, where local broadcasters compete every day against streaming platforms, social media, and technology companies that have never been subject to similar ownership restrictions.
This victory is the result of years of persistent advocacy by the NAB, state broadcast associations, and local broadcasters across the country. In Colorado, the CBA worked closely with our member stations to educate Colorado’s congressional delegation, encourage support for ownership reform, and ensure our industry’s voice was heard. Most recently, CBA members joined us in Washington, D.C., to advocate directly with lawmakers, helping build the momentum that led to today’s action. We are especially grateful to the members of Colorado’s delegation who stood with broadcasters and supported modernization of these outdated regulations.
Today’s action helps level the competitive playing field and gives local television broadcasters greater opportunity to invest in journalism, innovation, and the trusted local news and emergency information our communities depend on every day. While future ownership transactions will continue to undergo FCC review under a public interest standard, removing this decades-old cap is a significant step toward ensuring broadcasters can compete and thrive in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
As CBA President & CEO Justin Sasso noted, “Broadcast advocacy isn’t glamorous, and victories rarely happen overnight, but today is proof that persistent engagement with policymakers delivers real results for Colorado’s broadcasters.”
