Oppose FCC's Proposed TV Station Ownership Rule Changes

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) proposed changes to TV station ownership rules. The FCC, under Chairman Brendan Carr, is considering eliminating TV station ownership limits, a move that could significantly benefit large station owners like Sinclair and Nexstar at the expense of local communities and diverse media voices. The FCC has recently voted to seek public comment on proposed rule changes, including modifications to the Local Radio Ownership Rule and Local Television Rule. While Chairman Carr argues that these changes are necessary to reflect the evolving media landscape due to streaming services, I believe this perspective overlooks the crucial role that local, independent media plays in our communities. Of particular concern is the review of the national ownership cap, which currently limits a single entity from owning stations reaching more than 39% of US TV households. Eliminating or significantly raising this cap could lead to unprecedented media consolidation, threatening the diversity of viewpoints and local focus that are essential to a healthy democracy. FCC Democrat Anna Gomez has rightly warned about the dangers of media consolidation and its impact on local communities. I share these concerns and believe that allowing further consolidation would severely undermine the public interest that the FCC is mandated to protect. Furthermore, there are serious questions about the FCC's authority to change the national ownership cap, which was set by Congress. Any attempts to modify this cap without clear congressional approval would be legally dubious and potentially subject to challenge. I urge you to use your influence to oppose these proposed changes. We need to maintain a balance between national and local interests in broadcasting, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and that local communities' needs are met. The consolidation of media ownership into fewer hands does not serve the public interest and could have long-lasting negative impacts on the quality and diversity of information available to the American public. Please stand firm against these proposed rule changes and work to preserve the diversity and localism in our media landscape that is so vital to our democratic discourse.