Broadcast owner Curtis LeGeyt advocates for the update of existing broadcast ownership regulations
In a speech at The Media Institute's 2025 Communications Forum series, Curtis LeGeyt, the President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), called for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modernize its broadcast ownership rules to allow local broadcasters a fair competition with digital streaming services.
LeGeyt argued that the current regulations, including the national television ownership cap that limits any entity from reaching more than 39% of the nationwide TV audience, are outdated and hinder local stations from aggregating resources, investing in journalism, and strengthening their service to communities. He compared this situation to the neglect that led to the demise of newspapers, emphasizing the need for the FCC to adapt to a changing media landscape.
The FCC has recently sought public comment to update and possibly raise the 39% national ownership cap, reflecting changes since the original 2018 review. Key FCC officials have proposed reclassifying streaming providers as multichannel video programming distributors, modernizing ownership rules for broadcasters, and implementing targeted reforms to allow broadcasters to scale and compete more effectively with Big Tech, without completely removing regulatory oversight.
However, FCC Commissioner Christina Gomez has expressed concerns about regulatory investigations that could potentially impact broadcasters' editorial independence. She emphasised the importance of a free press and hinted at careful consideration in rolling back ownership restrictions to prevent undue corporate or political influence.
LeGeyt pointed out that while broadcasters are restrained by regulations, digital platforms continue to dominate the media landscape and consumers' attention. He expressed concern about the government's failure to adapt regulations to a changing media landscape, which he believes has pushed local broadcasting to a precarious position.
In times of crisis, such as wildfires, local broadcasters play an indispensable role in providing wall-to-wall coverage. Allowing broadcasters to compete, LeGeyt argued, would give them the ability to invest in their journalists, content, weather technology, and newsrooms. Without regulatory changes, access to freely-available live sports is at risk, as Big Tech companies are increasingly able to pay huge amounts to air exclusive games on their streaming platforms, taking them off local TV stations.
LeGeyt advocated for the elimination of the ownership cap of a single station group reaching 39% of American homes and the abolition of rules that prevent TV broadcasters from owning two of the top four-rated broadcast stations in a media market. He did not mention NextGen TV or the regulations that may be holding it back in his prepared remarks.
Last year, then FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr implored his colleagues and Congress to act, stating that broadcasters are at a "break glass moment." The FCC's current efforts include reopening the review of the national TV ownership cap to ensure the rules are neither outdated nor counterproductive, thereby empowering local broadcasters to better compete in the current media landscape.
- Curtis LeGeyt, the President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), wants the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modernize its broadcast ownership rules, allowing local broadcasters to fairly compete with digital streaming services.
- LeGeyt argued that the current regulations, such as the national television ownership cap, are outdated and hinder local stations from aggregating resources, investing in journalism, and strengthening their service to communities.
- The FCC has recently sought public comment to update the 39% national ownership cap and reclassify streaming providers as multichannel video programming distributors, while implementing targeted reforms to allow broadcasters to scale and compete more effectively.
- However, FCC Commissioner Christina Gomez has expressed concerns about regulatory investigations that could potentially impact broadcasters' editorial independence, emphasising the importance of a free press to prevent undue corporate or political influence.
- In times of crisis, such as wildfires, local broadcasters play an indispensable role in providing wall-to-wall coverage. Allowing broadcasters to compete would give them the ability to invest in their journalists, content, weather technology, and newsrooms, preventing the loss of freely-available live sports on local TV stations due to Big Tech companies paying huge amounts for exclusive games on their streaming platforms.
