Senate Commerce Sets Feb. 10 Hearing on Broadcast-Ownership Cap
The Senate Commerce Committee said Tuesday night that a Feb. 10 hearing would examine the FCC’s 39% national TV station audience-reach cap, as expected (see 2601120064). Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy, a vocal opponent of proposals for the FCC to lift or ease the cap, will testify, as will NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt, whose group strongly favors lifting the cap. The panel also plans to name “additional witnesses.” The cap issue came up repeatedly during the House and Senate Communications subcommittees’ recent FCC oversight hearings (see 2512170070 and 2601140071).
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“The media market is changing rapidly, leading many to wonder if broadcast media ownership rules should reflect this new reality,” said Senate Commerce Chairman Ted Cruz, R-Texas. “This hearing is an important opportunity to discuss whether existing rules are legally sound, antiquated, or need to be updated to promote competition and protect against corporate censorship against conservatives.” The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. in 253 Russell.