FCC Opens Review of Broadcast Ownership Rules

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 2:15pm CT

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to advance its quadrennial review of broadcast ownership rules, launching a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to gather public comment on whether existing regulations remain necessary in today's media landscape.

By law, the FCC must review certain broadcast ownership rules every four years to determine whether they continue to serve the public interest in light of competition and technological change. The agency began the current review in December 2022 with a Public Notice seeking input on whether the three major ownership rules should be retained, modified, or eliminated.

The NPRM will focus on the Local Radio Ownership Rule, which limits the number of stations one entity may own in a market, and the Local Television Rule, which restricts ownership of more than two TV stations in the same market. The Commission is asking whether these rules promote competition and local service or if they hinder broadcasters' ability to adapt and remain viable.

The FCC is also seeking comment on the Dual Network Rule, which bars mergers among the four major broadcast networks. The review will consider whether the unique position of these networks in national programming and advertising continues to justify the restriction.

Mary G. Berner, President and CEO of Cumulus Media, welcomed the Commission's action. "We're encouraged that Chairman Carr and the FCC are advancing the 2022 Quadrennial Review. Quickly modernizing the radio ownership rules is essential for listeners who rely on local radio every day. With updated rules, companies like ours can invest more locally, diversify our offerings, and compete effectively in today's rapidly evolving audio landscape. We look forward to working with the Commission to make these updates," she said in a statement.

Caroline Beasley, CEO of Beasley Media Group, also responded to the FCC's move. "We would like to thank Chairman Carr for moving forward with the quadrennial review on this critical endeavor. This is a defining moment for our industry to ensure that local radio can continue to fulfill its essential public service mission for decades to come. We look forward to working with the Commission to implement common-sense reforms that will allow broadcasters to compete fairly and keep serving the local audiences who rely on us every day," she said.

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt praised the action as a step toward necessary reform. "We commend Chairman Carr for advancing this long-overdue proceeding to modernize outdated broadcast ownership rules. Local radio and television broadcasters continue to face outdated restrictions that hinder investment, innovation and the ability to serve their communities.

"Local broadcast stations remain the most accessible and trusted platforms for news, community voices and life-saving emergency alerts. Yet, stations are being forced to compete under rules written for a media landscape that no longer exists. Modernizing local ownership rules is critical to attracting capital, preserving newsroom jobs and expanding service to underserved audiences.

"This rulemaking is a critical step to ensure that local stations can compete on a level playing field with streaming platforms and digital giants. Modernizing these rules is essential to protecting the future of local journalism, and we look forward to working with the Commission to move this process forward."

The Commission's action was adopted September 30, 2025 (FCC 25-64), with Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty approving and issuing separate statements.