NBC Bristles at Proposed Two-Tiered Station Ownership Rules

In a recent filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), NBCUniversal (NBCU) argued against the establishment of a two-tiered system for broadcast station ownership. The media conglomerate asserted that the FCC should not create different ownership requirements for companies that own broadcast networks, like NBC, compared to station groups that do not. While many broadcasters have called for the complete elimination of ownership caps, NBCU's filing focused specifically on opposing differential treatment. The company stated its position clearly, arguing that a proposal to treat licensees differently based on their ownership "has no basis in law or policy" and that any national audience reach cap should apply equally to all entities.

The push for a two-tiered system is linked to criticism from the Trump administration and FCC Chair Brendan Carr regarding alleged political bias in network news. Carr has frequently criticized the major broadcast networks and has expressed a desire to empower local broadcasters while constraining national programmers. This approach would involve keeping ownership restrictions on network-owned and operated stations while potentially eliminating them for other station groups. Carr has stated, "What I would do is empower those local broadcasters [who] actually serve their their local communities... I want to ultimately empower those local stations and, frankly, constrain some of the power of those national programmers."

In its response, NBCU presented strong legal and constitutional objections to such a policy. The company argued that the FCC does not have the statutory authority to apply different ownership caps to different types of broadcasters, as Congress has affirmed the cap should apply equally to all. Furthermore, NBCU contended that singling out certain networks for different treatment would be a violation of the First Amendment, which "protects speech and speaker." The filing emphasized that the government cannot create restrictions for "disfavored speakers," and treating entities differently based solely on their ownership structure would be unconstitutional.

Finally, NBCU countered the idea that restricting network-owned stations would promote localism by highlighting its own significant contributions as a local broadcaster. The company detailed its ownership of 36 local television stations across the country, which employ over 4,000 people and produce more than 150 hours of local news and community-focused content daily. By defining itself as a major local broadcaster, NBCU argued that harming its stations would, in fact, harm local broadcasting. It concluded that if the FCC’s goal is to promote localism, "that goal is only furthered by affording the same treatment to all local television stations, regardless of ownership.”

I do wonder, since CBS paid Trump a bribe, will these rules impact them?

Just saying…