The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has embarked on a significant regulatory overhaul, potentially reshaping its oversight role. This initiative, aptly titled “In re: Delete, Delete, Delete,” seeks public input on the elimination of numerous rules, regulations, and guidance documents.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced the sweeping deregulation initiative on X, stating: “The FCC has just launched a sweeping deregulation initiative titled ‘In re: Delete, Delete, Delete.’ Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will help unleash prosperity through deregulation.” The initiative directly supports President Donald Trump’s deregulatory agenda, referencing Executive Order 14192 and Executive Order 14219.
Carr further explained: “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Administration is unleashing a new wave of economic opportunity by ending the regulatory onslaught from Washington. For too long, administrative agencies have added new regulatory requirements in excess of their authority or kept lawful regulations in place long after their shelf life had expired.”
Industry experts suggest that broadcast ownership caps are potential targets for elimination. The FCC's announcement, however, doesn't clarify whether Congressional action is required for such changes. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has previously advocated for removing the ownership cap limiting local TV stations to 39% of the American viewing audience.
The FCC's public notice details evaluation criteria for rule elimination. The initiative is one of the most extensive deregulatory efforts in the FCC's recent history, placing nearly every rule under review. Public comments are accepted electronically via Docket Entry number 25-133, with deadlines of April 11 for initial comments and April 28 for replies.
This action is particularly relevant for the broadcast industry, which has expressed concerns about outdated regulations hindering competition with less regulated digital platforms. Curtis LeGeyt, CEO of the NAB, stated in February: “Local broadcasting is a highly regulated business in a rapidly evolving sector of the economy. Rapid evolution and government regulation are words that historically do not go together. As broadcasters, we have lived through that disconnect.”
The NAB also petitioned the FCC to expedite the transition from ATSC 1.0 to ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV), enabling hybrid broadcast and internet technologies. However, consumer advocacy groups express concern that removing ownership caps could increase media consolidation, potentially reducing local news and diverse viewpoints.
This initiative highlights the ongoing tension between the FCC's mandates: promoting competition and upholding public interest. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 was the last significant communications law overhaul, and many argue the current framework hasn’t adapted to technological advancements. For telecommunications companies and broadcasters facing regulatory constraints, the FCC's message is clear: change is coming.