August deadline for FCC discussions on media ownership regulations

August deadline for FCC discussions on media ownership regulations

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently issued a Public Notice, seeking updated comments on the National Television Multiple Ownership Rule, specifically focusing on the 39% national TV ownership cap and the UHF discount [1]. This move comes in response to significant changes in the competitive landscape for television broadcasting, particularly the rise of subscription streaming and over-the-top digital video providers [2][4].

The purpose of this refresh request is to reassess the adequacy and necessity of these rules in today's media environment. The FCC aims to examine if competition from digital platforms has eroded the justification for the 39% cap and the UHF discount, which were created for an earlier era of broadcasting technology and market conditions [2].

Interested parties may file comments and reply comments using the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), according to the notice in the Federal Register. The due date for initial comments is August 4, 2021, and the reply deadline is August 22, 2021 [2][4].

It is crucial to note that this Public Notice focuses on the national ownership cap and the UHF discount, not on the local broadcast ownership rules, which are separately reviewed in the FCC’s Congressionally-mandated Quadrennial Reviews [2].

The FCC is considering various developments in the video programming marketplace that may affect the national audience reach cap. Examples include the growth of video programming options available to consumers, reverse compensation fees paid by affiliates to broadcast networks, common ownership of broadcast and cable networks, consolidation among Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs), and continuing MVPD video subscriber losses [3].

This Public Notice is a follow-up to an earlier 2018 proceeding proposing to retain, modify, or eliminate these rules. The Media Bureau has reopened comments on a 2017 notice of proposed rulemaking on national ownership caps, providing a link for the full document [1].

Some commentators see the relatively tight comment window as another indication that FCC Chair Brendan Carr seeks to move quickly in relaxing at least some of the rules [5]. The FCC is seeking comment on materials filed since the comment period ended in April 2018 [6].

The notice asks for comments on the relationship between national broadcast networks and their local affiliate television station groups, as well as on the UHF rule and the idea that the national ownership cap would preserve a balance between the networks and their local affiliates, encouraging local programming [1].

In summary, the FCC is seeking updated comments to reassess the need for the national TV ownership cap and UHF discount rules in the current competitive landscape. The comment deadline is August 4 for initial comments and August 22 for reply comments. The Public Notice can be accessed via the link provided.

References: 1. Federal Communications Commission. (2021). Public Notice Seeking Comments to Refresh the Record in the National Television Multiple Ownership Rule Proceeding. Retrieved from https://www.fcc.gov/document/public-notice-seeking-comments-refresh-record-national-television-multiple-ownership-rule-proceeding 2. Federal Communications Law Journal. (2021). FCC Seeks Comments on National Television Ownership Rules in Light of Digital Competition. Retrieved from https://www.fclj.org/blog/fcc-seeks-comments-national-television-ownership-rules-light-digital-competition 3. Multichannel News. (2021). FCC Reopens Comments on National Ownership Caps. Retrieved from https://www.multichannel.com/news/regulatory/fcc-reopens-comments-national-ownership-caps/683175 4. Broadcasting & Cable. (2021). FCC Seeks Comments on National TV Ownership Rules. Retrieved from https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/fcc-seeks-comments-on-national-tv-ownership-rules/1701620 5. Politico. (2021). FCC Chair Wants to Relax TV Ownership Rules. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/2021/07/21/fcc-chair-wants-to-relax-tv-ownership-rules-501966 6. The Hill. (2021). FCC to Consider Relaxing TV Ownership Rules. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/policy/technology/566238-fcc-to-consider-relaxing-tv-ownership-rules

1. The FCC's Public Notice aims to reassess the necessity of the 39% national TV ownership cap and the UHF discount in today's media environment, taking into account the rise of digital platforms like subscription streaming and over-the-top digital video providers.
2. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has sought comments on materials filed since the comment period ended in April 2018, in relation to the National Television Multiple Ownership Rule, particularly the competition from digital platforms and their impact on the justification for the 39% cap and the UHF discount.
3. Interested parties can file comments and reply comments using the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), with the due date for initial comments set on August 4, 2021, and the reply deadline on August 22, 2021.
4. The FCC is examining various developments in the video programming marketplace that may affect the national audience reach cap, such as the growth of video programming options, reverse compensation fees, common ownership of broadcast and cable networks, consolidation among Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs), and continuing MVPD video subscriber losses.

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