There has been discussion lately that the FCC might potentially raise or remove its current limit of 39% when it comes to how many households a station can broadcast to. President Donald Trump has spoken about the possible change and has supported not changing the regulation if it would allow the “expansion of the fake news networks,”.
In a post by Donald Trump, he gave his opinion regarding the possible removal of the 39% limit: “If [lifting the FCC’s 39% ownership cap] would also allow the Radical Left Networks to ‘enlarge,’ I would not be happy. ABC & NBC, in particular, are a disaster – A VIRTUAL ARM OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY,” Trump wrote Sunday on his Truth Social account. “They should be viewed as an illegal campaign to the Radical Left. NO EXPANSION OF THE FAKE NEWS NETWORKS. If anything, make them SMALLER! President DJT.”
Interestingly, Donald Trump’s position on the issue is in direct opposition to the chairman of the FCC, Brendan Carr, whom he appointed to the role. The chairman believes that they should abolish the ruling, which is supported by the National Association of Broadcasters. It is little surprise that broadcasters are in favor of getting access to a larger audience, but it is a bit of a shock to see someone whom Trump appointed being against him on this matter.
Regarding Trump’s statement, even if the FCC removes the 39% limit, it will not affect ABC and NBC, as they already are able to broadcast to every household in the United States. This change would be most impactful for local TV outlets and journalism.
We will have to wait and see if the regulation will be abolished or not in the coming months.
