The FCC's inquiry focuses on the following aspects of media ownership regulations:
Local Radio and Television Ownership: The FCC seeks input on the current limits on the number of radio and television stations that a single entity can own in local markets. The commission aims to understand the impact of these limits on competition, diversity of ownership, and the ability of local stations to provide public interest content.
Cross-Ownership Rules: The FCC invites public comments on the rules that prohibit common ownership between broadcast stations and other media outlets, such as newspapers, in the same geographic area. The inquiry considers whether these rules still serve the intended purposes of promoting competition and diversity of viewpoints in media markets.
National TV Ownership: The FCC examines the current rules that restrict the number of television stations that a single entity can own nationwide. The commission seeks input on the impact of these regulations on the overall media marketplace and the ability of diverse ownership groups to enter the industry.
Impact of Media Ownership Rules: The inquiry seeks data, studies, and analyses on the effects of media ownership regulations on various aspects of the media landscape, including advertising rates, programming choices, and the diversity of voices represented in media content.
The FCC aims to gather comprehensive input from stakeholders, including media companies, consumer advocacy groups, public interest organizations, researchers, and the general public, to inform the review of its media ownership rules. The deadline for filing public comments was set for October 17, 2022, with reply comments due by November 17, 2022.
The FCC's inquiry is part of a periodic review of its media ownership regulations required by law. The commission is expected to evaluate public comments, studies, and analyses submitted in response to the inquiry and make any necessary adjustments or modifications to its media ownership rules.
