CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp has shared that the organization is joining the list of those parties opposed to the FCC lifting the local TV ownership cap.
In a letter to Congress, the organization shared its opinion that the limit of being able to reach 39% of U.S. households shouldn’t be altered.
“CPAC strongly urges the FCC to maintain the National Television Ownership Cap and to respect
Congress’s clear statutory authority on this matter,” the letter reads. “Any change to this statutory limit must come from congressional action, not unilateral regulatory action. This issue goes to the heart of localism,
competition, and viewpoint diversity in American media … We believe strongly that the FCC must operate within the boundaries set by law and refrain from actions that would effectively weaken or circumvent the cap.”
The organization added that it supports a review of FCC broadcast ownership rules “with full transparency.”
“This is a serious matter for conservatives and for the American public. Local television remains the primary source of community news for millions of Americans, particularly as local newspapers decline,” the letter reads. “Polling consistently shows that Americans — and especially conservatives — do not want further consolidation of broadcast television power in the hands of a few national entities.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, regulatory reforms have helped reduce barriers to entry and foster greater competition,” the statement continues. “That progress demonstrates that competition and diversity can be strengthened without dismantling congressionally enacted safeguards.”
The comments come after both FCC Chair Brendan Carr and President Donald Trump have shared support for the regulatory approval of Nexstar Media Group‘s proposed acquisition of TEGNA. That deal would make Nexstar Media Group stations available in more than 80% of U.S. households, well surpassing the current 39% limit.
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