The National Association of Broadcasters has escalated its efforts to persuade the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deregulate longstanding broadcast ownership limits. In a comprehensive 87-page reply comment submitted on January 16, 2026, the NAB argued that existing restrictions on local radio and television station ownership are outdated and do not align with the current media landscape dominated by digital platforms and online advertising.
The NAB characterized the current ownership rules as relics from a bygone era, inhibiting broadcasters from effectively competing against streaming services and social media platforms that attract significant audiences and advertising revenue without similar regulatory burdens. The organization contended that these regulations limit broadcasters’ ability to scale operations, draw investments, and enhance audience reach, ultimately threatening the financial sustainability of local stations.
Under the current framework, a single licensee’s ownership is capped at eight commercial stations in the largest markets, with additional restrictions in smaller markets. The NAB has called for the complete removal of these caps, asserting that they hinder radio operators’ ability to adapt to market changes. The organization pointed to a decline in radio’s audience share and advertising revenue over the past two decades, attributing these challenges primarily to competition from digital entities rather than internal consolidation.
The NAB’s push for deregulation comes as part of the FCC’s ongoing 2022 Quadrennial Regulatory Review, which evaluates the necessity of broadcast ownership rules in light of competitive changes. The review includes assessments of local radio ownership limits and local television regulations. The NAB emphasized that removing ownership restrictions would enable broadcasters to invest in local programming and community services while fostering innovation and service quality. As the FCC deliberates, the potential for significant deregulation could transform the broadcasting landscape, impacting local content diversity and community engagement.
