Christian Music Group Urges FCC to Keep FM Caps

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 3:37pm CT

Christian Music Trade Association (CMTA)

The Christian Music Trade Association (CMTA) is urging the Federal Communications Commission to preserve existing local FM ownership limits while eliminating caps on AM station ownership as part of the agency's still-pending 2022 Quadrennial Review of broadcast ownership rules.

In comments filed with the FCC, CMTA President Ed Leonard argued that the two positions work together to protect localism and viewpoint diversity while helping struggling AM operators survive mounting economic and technical challenges.

The filing asks the FCC to maintain current restrictions limiting how many commercial FM stations a single company can own within a market, while removing ownership caps for AM stations.

"Retaining FM limits preserves viewpoint diversity, localism, and what is left of local competition in commercial radio," the filing stated. "Meanwhile, removing AM ownership caps would enable commercial broadcasters in this struggling segment of the broadcast band to keep their heads above water."

The filing aligns CMTA with similar comments previously submitted by the National Religious Broadcasters, which argued earlier this year that further FM consolidation could marginalize independent and faith-based broadcasters while AM deregulation could provide financial relief for operators facing declining revenue and technical disadvantages.

CMTA said independent Christian and Gospel broadcasters already compete against large commercial FM clusters, noncommercial religious networks, satellite radio, streaming audio services, and digital platforms for both audience and advertising revenue.

The organization warned that loosening FM ownership limits could accelerate consolidation, reduce locally originated programming, and weaken ties between stations and their communities.

The filing also cited previous comments from iHeartMedia, which argued that eliminating FM ownership caps could trigger widespread divestitures of AM stations as broadcasters redirect investment toward FM acquisitions. CMTA said that outcome could further devalue AM properties and disproportionately impact smaller, women-owned, and minority-owned stations.

As part of its argument, CMTA pointed to research suggesting Christian radio continues to maintain unusually loyal audiences. According to Jacobs Media's Techsurvey 2025, cited in the filing, 82% of Christian and Gospel radio listeners said they would recommend their favorite station to others, compared to 66% for public radio, 55% for CHR stations, and 52% for Country radio.

The filing also referenced a 2025 Finney Media study of nearly 12,000 Christian radio listeners that found 93% listen because they enjoy worshipful Christian music, 91% said the format helps them worship throughout the day, and 82% cited encouragement as a key reason for listening.

CMTA additionally cited reporting showing strong engagement among younger listeners, including a survey of Liberty University students indicating that 41% of Gen Z respondents already listen to Christian radio.

The FCC's 2022 Quadrennial Review remains pending, with no timeline announced for a final decision on potential changes to broadcast ownership rules.