House Republicans are urging the Federal Communications Commission to raise the national ownership cap on broadcasters, as Democrats argue “only” Congress can change the limit.
At a hearing with all three FCC commissioners Wednesday, Republicans on the Energy and Commerce Committee said FCC Chair Brendan Carr should revisit the cap, which limits a broadcaster’s reach to 39% of U.S. television households. They said regulations like the cap have been a “burden” on those companies.
Broadcasters should have “the opportunity to compete against new platforms, and specifically the Big Tech companies, who are competing with broadcast and cable companies for advertising revenue and viewership,” said committee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.).
