The Vergecast · Thursday, July 16, 2026
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is planning a vote to remove the national ownership cap for broadcasters, which currently limits one company from reaching more than 39% of US households. Carr's proposal would allow for case-by-case reviews of deals that might violate the cap.
“SCC Chairman Brendan Carr does. He's planning a vote to end the national ownership cap, which currently prevents broadcasters from reaching more than 39% of US households.”
“Instead, he wants to be able to review and approve deals that would violate the cap on a case by case basis, letting the FCC consider factors such as quote, viewpoint diversity.”
“Fun fact, the 39% cap is in fact enshrined in law. So this is definitely going to end up in court.”