WASHINGTON, D.C. — Are longstanding broadcast media ownership rules still relevant in the digital age and, if so, to what extent?
That’s a key question regarding the matter of whether more reform is needed, as Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) opened a much-anticipated Senate Commerce Committee hearing focused on repeal or modification of the 39% national broadcast audience reach cap.
In the early weeks of 2004, under an omnibus bill, this limit has been in place. “As several major mergers loom, the FCC is considering eliminating or lifting this cap,” Cruz said in his opening statement at Wednesday’s hearing, delayed slightly due to melting snow off the rooftop of Russell Senate Office Building.
Can FCC modify the cap? Is it Congress’ job? “If there is one thing that it clear, it is this. Current media rules were written in a vastly different media age.”
