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.

Disney, ABC sue FCC over probe that triggered license renewals
The FCC ordered early review of the stations’ broadcast licenses in April, years before they were set to expire; Disney says the move was retaliation over unfavorable programming.

Newsmax preps lawsuit over FCC broadcast TV ownership vote
In an interview with The Desk on Tuesday, Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy reaffirmed his commitment to litigation and said FCC Chairman Brendan Carr was "not good for conservatives."
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Low-power TV advocates want voluntary transmission to 5G broadcast standard
The petition asks the FCC to amend one of its rules so low-power TV transmitters can use 5G broadcast instead of NextGen TV signals.

FCC warns consumers about scammers impersonating agency officials
In the reported scheme, scammers claim a consumer’s phone number is under investigation for criminal activity.

Trump nominates Carr aide Danielle Thumann Severs to vacant FCC seat
Her confirmation would give Republicans three seats on the commission, the maximum allowed under FCC party-balance rules and the minimum needed for a quorum.

FCC votes to end broadcast TV ownership cap
By a 2-1 vote cast along party lines, the FCC adopted a proposal that eliminates the 39 percent ownership cap on broadcast TV stations, inviting possible legal challenges.
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Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin warns FCC against probe into ABC’s TV licenses
Raskin said federal lawmakers might bring more heat to the FCC in the future if it continues to carry out politically-motivated attacks against broadcasters.

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.
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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.
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