FCC Chair and Commissioner Back Move to Repeal Broadcast Ownership Cap

FCC Chair Brendan Carr and Commissioner Olivia Trusty backed the move, arguing the cap constrained local broadcasters. Commissioner Anna M. Gomez, the lone Democrat, called the decision unlawful and said only Congress could change the cap, which originated in a 2003 compromise. The vote drew criticism from press freedom advocates, with protesters outside the FCC building in Washington displaying photos of Carr labeled "shame.

Matt Wood of Free Press warned the repeal could lead to dominant broadcasters in every market and deep journalist job cuts. Sinclair CEO Chris Ripley said he "couldn't be happier about the decision.