12-13-2018, 10:00 PM
FCC considers ending merger ban among broadcast networks
The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday voted to open a new review of U.S. media ownership rules and seek comments on whether the government should end a prohibition on mergers among the four largest broadcast networks.
The FCC said it could reverse the rule that bars a merger among the "Big Four" networks: NBC, owned by Comcast Corp (CMCSA.O), Walt Disney Co's (DIS.N) ABC, CBS Corp's (CBS.N) CBS or Fox, owned by Twenty-First Century Fox (FOXA.O).
The FCC will also consider if existing rules that limit the number of local radio stations in a single market should be rescinded.
Democratic FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel raised concerns that "too much consolidation can reduce the number of voices, jobs, and the newsgathering that results."
In November 2017, the FCC voted 3-2 to eliminate the 42-year-old ban on cross-ownership of a newspaper and TV station in a major market. It also voted to make it easier for media companies to buy additional local TV stations in the same market.
The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday voted to open a new review of U.S. media ownership rules and seek comments on whether the government should end a prohibition on mergers among the four largest broadcast networks.
The FCC said it could reverse the rule that bars a merger among the "Big Four" networks: NBC, owned by Comcast Corp (CMCSA.O), Walt Disney Co's (DIS.N) ABC, CBS Corp's (CBS.N) CBS or Fox, owned by Twenty-First Century Fox (FOXA.O).
The FCC will also consider if existing rules that limit the number of local radio stations in a single market should be rescinded.
Democratic FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel raised concerns that "too much consolidation can reduce the number of voices, jobs, and the newsgathering that results."
In November 2017, the FCC voted 3-2 to eliminate the 42-year-old ban on cross-ownership of a newspaper and TV station in a major market. It also voted to make it easier for media companies to buy additional local TV stations in the same market.