Deregulating Media, a Recipe for Disaster in the Wilds of Local Broadcasting

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has scrapped the cap on broadcast TV ownership, sparking widespread concern among media watchdogs and regulators. The 2-1 vote, led by FCC Chair Brendan Carr, marks a significant shift in how local broadcasting is governed.

This decision’s timing is striking, particularly given Carr’s own acknowledgment that the decline of local newspapers has left a void that local TV stations are struggling to fill. Yet, rather than finding innovative solutions to support these stations, the FCC has opted to dismantle the regulations designed to prevent media consolidation. This move is not an adaptation to changing circumstances but a reckless attempt to rewrite the rules in favor of big business.

Carr and his allies argue that the 39% rule was an outdated restriction that stifled local broadcasters’ ability to attract investment and generate revenue. However, this ignores the elephant in the room: the sheer scale of media consolidation in the US. The proposed sale of Tegna to Nexstar would give the latter control over 80% of U.S. TV households, highlighting what’s at stake.

Critics, including Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ted Cruz, have accused Carr of attempting to rewrite the rules illegally in favor of corporate interests. While this may be an exaggeration, it highlights deep-seated concerns about the FCC’s motivations. The fact that the commission waived the 39% rule for Nexstar’s acquisition sends a chilling message: big business will always get what it wants.

The implications of this decision extend far beyond the media landscape itself. In an era where disinformation and propaganda are increasingly prevalent, the loss of local broadcasting diversity could have disastrous consequences for public access to accurate information. As Warren noted, “this move is not just about lining billionaires’ pockets; it’s also about controlling what Americans watch.”

The FCC’s decision has sparked a contentious debate that will likely continue for months to come. One thing is clear: the future of local broadcasting hangs in the balance. Rather than embracing deregulation and media consolidation, we should be working towards a more equitable system that prioritizes public access and diversity.

Local broadcasters often provide investigative journalism and community reporting, offering a unique perspective on local issues that national networks can’t match. These smaller players will likely struggle to compete with larger corporations for advertising revenue and resources in the wake of this decision. Rather than sacrificing them on the altar of deregulation, we should be finding ways to support them.

The FCC’s decision is part of a broader pattern of deregulation and consolidation in the US media landscape. The 1990s saw a wave of mergers and acquisitions that led to a significant concentration of media ownership among a handful of giant corporations. This trend has continued to this day, with the FCC now actively facilitating the process.

Looking back on past consolidations is instructive. We see how the loss of local broadcasting diversity can lead to homogenized content, reduced coverage of local issues, and a decrease in public access to information. The lessons of history are clear: deregulation and media consolidation are a recipe for disaster.

The FCC’s decision has sparked a firestorm of controversy that will likely continue for months to come. As the debate rages on, one thing is certain: the future of local broadcasting hangs in the balance. Rather than embracing deregulation and media consolidation, we should be working towards a more equitable system that prioritizes public access and diversity.

Ultimately, this decision is not just about media policy; it’s about the very fabric of our democracy. As citizens, we have a right to demand better from our regulators. We must continue to raise our voices in opposition to the FCC’s reckless attempts to dismantle the rules that protect local broadcasting diversity.

The battle for the future of local media is far from over. But one thing is clear: we can’t afford to let big business win at the expense of public access and diversity. The wilds of local broadcasting are about to get a whole lot wilder.