Many U.S. radio ownership groups are welcoming the FCC’s launch of its next review of quadrennial rules, hopeful that the commission is going to allow more consolidation.
NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt praised Chairman Brendan Carr “for advancing this long-overdue proceeding to modernize outdated broadcast ownership rules.”
He said the rules put outdated restrictions on radio and TV broadcasters that “hinder investment, innovation and the ability to serve their communities.” He said the rulemaking “is a critical step to ensure that local stations can compete on a level playing field with streaming platforms and digital giants.”
Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley called the review a defining moment to ensure that local radio can continue to fulfill its public service mission.
“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.”
Mary Berner, president and CEO of Cumulus Media, said: “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.”
Current subcaps limit common ownership of multiple stations in a given market.
[Related: “Conservative Groups Push Carr to Lift Ownership Caps”]
Not all broadcasters want the caps removed.
iHeartMedia has said in the past that abolishing limits on AM caps entirely and raising FM limits, as NAB would like, “could exacerbate the competitive disadvantage experienced by AM radio stations relative to FM radio stations.” In response to an email today, a spokesperson for iHeartMedia declined comment.
Groups including Townsquare Media and Connoisseur Media told the commission in 2023 that current ownership rules hinder the ability of broadcasters to compete for audience and advertisers.
Opposition to easing the caps, politically and legally, has come in recent years from groups including Common Cause, the musicFirst Coalition, the Future of Music Coalition and CWA-NABET.
But several multicultural groups have expressed support for changing the caps.
