Zimmer Urges FCC to Drop Radio Ownership Caps

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 1, 2026 | 3:30pm CT

Zimmer Media

Zimmer Radio of Mid-Missouri is calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to eliminate longstanding local radio ownership limits, arguing the rules are outdated and hinder broadcasters' ability to compete in today's media landscape.

In a letter filed April 27 in MB Docket No. 22-459, company President John P. Zimmer said the current ownership caps, largely unchanged since 1996, no longer reflect the realities of a marketplace now dominated by digital competitors, including streaming platforms and large online advertising companies.

Zimmer wrote that while Congress directed the FCC to periodically review and revise ownership rules, the existing limits continue to restrict broadcasters from achieving economies of scale that could strengthen local service and financial stability.

The company, which operates 10 stations across six Missouri markets, said revenue pressures have intensified as advertising dollars shift to digital platforms. Smaller and mid-sized market stations face particular challenges due to limited local ad bases while still bearing the costs of operations, staffing and programming.

Zimmer emphasized that staffing cuts can directly impact a station's ability to provide essential local services, especially during emergencies such as severe weather events, when radio stations often deliver continuous coverage and critical information to affected communities.

The company also noted it has expanded into other media ventures, including acquiring a local magazine and launching a digital advertising business, but said FCC rules restrict further investment in radio-its core business.

Zimmer argued that loosening or eliminating ownership caps would allow broadcasters to invest in additional stations, spread programming costs, increase content diversity and better compete for audiences and advertisers.

The letter aligns with broader industry efforts, including those led by the National Association of Broadcasters, to modernize or remove ownership restrictions as part of the FCC's ongoing review of its media ownership rules.