Congress Sends Letter to FCC Seeking Ownership Deregulation

As the FCC gears up to update many of its antiquated rules, 73 members of Congress have sent a letter to the Commission encouraging it to move forward.  The letter called for immediate action to modify its rules to reflect current marketplace realities that harm local broadcasting.  The letter noted:

“Existing broadcast ownership regulations do not reflect today’s competitive media landscape.  These rules originated in the 1940s – before cable television became ubiquitous and long before the emergence of digital platforms that now dominate the media and entertainment industries.  While the FCC has made incremental adjustments over the decades, the fundamental ownership restrictions have remained largely unchanged since the 1990s, imposing undue constraints on broadcasters’ ability to innovate and invest in local content.”

We are happy to report that three members of the New York delegation signed on to the letter:

• Rep. Nick LaLota [R. NY-1]   

• Rep. Mike Lawler [R. NY-17]

• Rep. Nick Langworthy [R. NY-23]

We anticipate that the FCC will begin to move forward once there is a majority of Republicans serving on the Commission.  There are two possible scenarios.  First, when Commissioner Starks leaves the FCC later this spring.  Second, when the Senate confirmed Republican Olivia Trusty as a new commissioner.

You can see a copy of the Congressional letter here.