The NAB Pulse

FCC Approves Rollout of Next Gen TV, Modernizes Media Ownership Rules

Last week, in a pair of big wins for broadcasters, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted orders that modernize outdated broadcast media ownership rules and allow broadcasters to start using the Next Generation TV standard.

By a 3-2 vote, the FCC significantly reformed its outdated broadcast ownership rules, granting the vast majority of NAB’s petition for reconsideration of the FCC’s 2016 decision to retain (and effectively tighten) the existing rules. Specifically, the FCC eliminated its 1975 ban on cross-ownership of a daily newspaper and even a single radio or TV station in the same market; eliminated the last remnant of the radio/TV cross-ownership rule; retained but reformed the local TV ownership rule to allow common ownership of two TV stations in more markets; eliminated the rule attributing TV joint sales agreements; retained the disclosure requirement for shared services agreements involving commercial TV stations; and adopted a narrow presumption in favor of a waiver of the local radio ownership rule in certain “embedded” radio markets. Court challenges to the FCC’s action by those opposed to any reform of the broadcast ownership rules are highly likely. Read NAB’s statement on the FCC’s action here.

The FCC also voted to allow broadcasters to use the Next Generation TV standard (also known as ATSC 3.0) on a voluntary, market-driven basis. The order allows broadcasters to deploy the Next Gen TV standard subject to local simulcasting arrangements using the current DTV standard to preserve service to viewers. The order also rejects efforts to hamstring the rollout of this technology with burdensome or unreasonable regulatory requirements. Approval of broadcasters’ use of this technology sets the stage for broadcaster innovation and exciting new services for viewers. NAB’s statement regarding the order can be found here.  








National Association of Broadcasters
1 M Street SE
Washington, D.C. 20003
202 429 5300 | nab@nab.org

© 2024 National Association of Broadcasters
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Connect With Us