NAB Urges FCC to Eliminate Natl. Broadcast Ownership Cap

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has formally requested the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to abolish the national broadcast ownership cap that currently restricts media companies from owning more than eight radio stations in a radio market with 45 or more stations and TV stations that reach more than 39% of U.S. households. The NAB argues that these regulations, unchanged significantly for decades, unfairly limit broadcasters in a digital age dominated by unregulated tech giants.

In a letter to Maureen H. Dortch, Secretary of the FCC, the NAB emphasized that the existing ownership caps on both television and radio broadcasters hinder their ability to compete effectively for audiences and advertising revenue. The association pointed out that while broadcast media are tightly regulated, streaming platforms, social media, and other digital services face no such constraints.

"The national TV and radio rules have long prohibited broadcasters from achieving the scale necessary to compete in today's fragmented media environment," stated the NAB in its letter. The association highlighted that these rules were originally designed in a vastly different media landscape and have not kept pace with technological advances and changes in how audiences consume media.

The NAB's advocacy for deregulation comes at a time when traditional media companies struggle against digital platforms that have reshaped advertising markets. Digital giants like Google, Facebook, and streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu draw significant advertising revenues away from local media, which are critical for supporting content that serves community needs.

This push for regulatory change reflects broader industry challenges, where radio stations, much like their TV counterparts, face declining ad revenues and increased competition from digital services that offer vast amounts of content without geographic or regulatory limitations. By lifting these caps, the NAB argues, broadcasters could enhance their service offerings, reaching broader audiences and delivering more diverse, locally relevant content across both radio and television platforms.

The NAB has made its full arguments and the text of its letter to the FCC available through its campaign on regulatory modernization, which can be accessed at NAB.org. The association encourages public and industry support to help modernize outdated FCC rules and ensure the competitive viability of broadcast radio and television.