the HOT List

The last day of 2025 also served as the final day interested parties could submit comments to the FCC in regard to Media Bureau docket No. 25-331, which seeks insight into whether or not TEGNA should be acquired by Nexstar Media Group. Among the groups chiming in are organization dead-set against the deal.

Ed Henson is a broadcast licensee. He’s also a veteran media broker who believes the National Association of Media Brokers remains a vital group of dedicated professionals who have the experience and knowledge to best navigate buyers and sellers toward the best possible deal agreement.

Press Communications is pressing the FCC — along with 18 other licensees of Class C and Class D AM stations — to reinstate a 2016 FM translator filing window (with minor modifications) for kHz-band properties. If granted, the rule making would allow for "substantial" FM translator transmitter site and channel moves.

Brian and Kevin Lilly have moved ahead with the acquisition of a group of stations within a short drive of their family-run company's headquarters in Erie, Pa. With the FCC's OK, they'll be gaining ownership of stations serving a Western New York city and properties targeting a city in far Northeastern Ohio.

Ogunquit, Me., isn't exactly a hub of U.S. Hispanic culture. Yet, in this small town resides a former print journalist who has chronicled — through his own lens — the history of Hispanic-targeted television in the U.S. Javier Marín doesn't hold back his questions and criticism, either.

"The FCC is firing on all cylinders, and we will build on this momentum to deliver even more wins in 2026," said FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who pushed ahead over the last year with an agenda that includes expected forthcoming deregulation of the broadcast media industry.

It's been one of the hottest rumors that insiders insist is a done deal, yet no one is talking on the record. The subject? FOX has a plan in place to assume control of the CBS Television Network via a shared services agreement. A FCC filing made last week by FOX advocates for the eye-opening scenario.

The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) has told the Commission to keep its hands off of the existing television ownership rules, and eschew any change broadcasters and the NAB seek.

An individual who served as a General Counsel at the Commission and is today the co-Chair of the Issues and Appeals practice at Wiley Law has told the FCC that it holds the authority to adjust the national TV multiple ownership rule. Thus, there is no need for Congress to do the job the Carr FCC can.

The Chairman of the FCC has reiterated his belief that the FCC has an obligation to enforce a public interest standard for broadcasters who have been given the right to use a "very valuable public resource" — spectrum — and will continue to do so under a Congressional statute it is obligated to follow.

While the NAB and a bevy of licensees seek a relaxation or wholesale repeal of the Commission's local broadcast ownership rules, an advocacy group for African American station owners has asked the Carr Commission to leave its current regulatory limits as-is.

Since 1976, ABC has looked to the film industry's honor pageant as a major advertiser and viewer draw, noting its relationship at Upfront events each May. Starting in 2029, ABC will no longer have the Oscars telecast — nor will any other over-the-air television network.   

"We're empowering broadcasters to meet their public interest obligations." Those are the words of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, as he offered a positive critique of his leadership and accomplishments at the Commission since taking the baton from Jessica Rosenworcel in late January.

It was hardly unexpected. The Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, in her opening comments, lashed out at FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for engaging in what Democrats have labeled politically motivated and Freedom of Speech-limiting efforts by the Commission.

As the sun began to rise on the East Coast Wednesday, Sinclair Inc. responded to the decision by The E.W. Scripps Co. Board of Directors, "following a careful review and evaluation in consultation with its financial and legal advisors," to decline Sinclair’s offer for $7 per share in a mix of cash and stock.