FCC Removes 39% National TV Ownership Cap

FCC TV ownership cap 39 percent Nexstar local broadcasters

The Federal Communications Commission voted 2‑1 on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, to rescind the rule that limits any broadcast‑station owner from reaching more than 39 percent of U.S. TV households. The cap, first set by Congress in 2004, will be replaced by a case‑by‑case review of mergers and acquisitions. FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the change is intended to help local broadcasters survive and compete with streaming services, while Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez voted against the measure, calling it illegal and arguing that only Congress can alter the cap.

The decision is expected to accelerate consolidation in the television industry. In March, the FCC waived the cap to approve Nexstar’s $3.54 billion purchase of Tegna, a deal that would give Nexstar coverage of about 80 percent of U.S. TV households. Critics warn the repeal could give excessive market power to large station groups and undermine localism and viewpoint diversity. Industry groups such as Sinclair and the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council issued opposing statements, reflecting the partisan split over the rule’s removal.

Entities

Anna Gomez · Brendan Carr · Federal Communications Commission · National Television Ownership Cap · Nexstar Media Group · Tegna Inc. · Tom DeLay

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The FCC voted 2‑1 to rescind the 39 % national TV ownership cap. mix929.com · nypost.com · keyt.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The cap will be replaced by a case‑by‑case review of mergers that exceed the 39 % threshold. mix929.com · cordcuttersnews.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez voted against the repeal and called it illegal, saying only Congress can change the cap. mix929.com · nypost.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Critics argue the repeal could lead to excessive market power among station owners and undermine localism and viewpoint diversity. gizmodo.com · rbr.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The FCC has limited broadcast‑station ownership since 1941 and raised the national cap to 39 % in 2004. mix929.com · keyt.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The FCC waived the cap to approve Nexstar’s $3.54 billion purchase of Tegna, which would give Nexstar coverage of about 80 percent of U.S. TV households. mix929.com · nypost.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The vote took place on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. mix929.com · wsau.com
[● 2 SOURCES] FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the change is intended to help local broadcasters survive. mix929.com · www.tvtechnology.com