Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the public utility regulatory arm of the United States federal government. Among other sectors, the FCC regulates broadcast television, broadcast radio, telecommunications companies and other utilities. The FCC is based in Washington, D.C.
FCC vote on ownership cap coincides with broadcast-related financial earnings releases
Several companies with deals pending before or approved by the FCC will release their Q2 earnings on Thursday, the same day as a vote on the broadcast ownership cap.
FIRST ON THE DESK
FCC reviewing recent affiliation swap announcement, Chairman Carr says
The FCC generally cannot interfere in broadcast-related transactions involving network affiliation deals, but Carr is going to try anyway.
Disney urges FCC to toss petitions challenging ABC broadcast licenses
In a letter submitted to the FCC, Disney said some national advocacy groups have targeted its ABC broadcast network for purely political reasons.
Free speech groups back Disney in ongoing fight with FCC
The letter says Disney should continue defending its First Amendment rights as it challenges the FCC’s early license renewal order for eight ABC-owned stations.
FCC vs. ABC
Filings: Alden Global exec likely to emerge as major Cumulus Media stakeholder
Alden Global has been criticized over the years for cutting jobs and reducing local news investments at newspapers under its ownership, causing concern among radio industry watchers as the Cumulus bankruptcy plays out.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Former FCC officials blast agency’s targeting of ABC
The group called the review unprecedented and accused the FCC of using its regulatory authority to pressure Disney and ABC over protected editorial decisions.
FCC Chairman Carr: ABC decision to skip Trump speech will factor into license review
Eight ABC-owned stations are currently subject to the FCC's license renewal process over Disney's purported use of DEI practices.
Media group asks appeals court to force FCC action on WTXF license challenge
The MAD Project says the FCC has left its Application for Review unresolved for 17 months, preventing it from seeking judicial review of the Media Bureau’s dismissal.
SiliconDust says update allows HDHomeRun tuners to work during Internet outages
SiliconDust has asked the FCC to encourage broadcasters to temporarily transmit channels without DRM while the industry develops a compatible offline solution.
FCC Chairman Carr doubts antitrust lawsuit against Paramount deal will succeed
The FCC said the antitrust lawsuit appears to be based largely on how Paramount will operate CNN or whether it is willing to divest the cable network to seal the deal.
ProPublica: FCC officials accepted gifts from Paramount while agency scrutinized deals
A ProPublica investigation found FCC officials from both political parties accepted tickets and other gifts from Paramount while the company had deals pending before the agency.
By:
Corey G. Johnson, ProPublica
FCC to eliminate broadcast ownership rule in August
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has already voiced his support for eliminating the broadcast ownership cap, and the measure is certain to pass during the August vote.