government
FCC considers repealing longstanding TV broadcast ownership cap
By Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 16, 2026
· 2 min read
The Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on changes to rules limiting ownership of television stations.Current rules prohibit any company from reaching more than 39% of U.S. households.The ownership cap was established to promote competition and prevent monopolization of the airwaves....
Key takeaway Current rules prohibit any company from reaching more than 39% of U.
Why this matters in The Waco
The potential repeal of the TV broadcast ownership cap has significant implications for Waco residents, who rely on local television stations for news, entertainment, and community programming. If the rule is repealed, it could lead to consolidation of local TV stations, potentially resulting in fewer choices and lower-quality programming for viewers in McLennan County. The proposed merger between Tegna and Nexstar, two major local television broadcasters, is a prime example of the kind of consolidation that could occur if the ownership cap is lifted. This merger has already raised concerns among state attorneys general, including New York's Letitia James, who argue that it would reduce competition and lead to higher prices for consumers. Waco residents should pay close attention to the FCC's vote on August 6 and the subsequent court challenges, as the outcome could have a direct impact on the local television landscape and the quality of programming available to them.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on changes to rules limiting ownership of television stations.Current rules prohibit any company from reaching more than 39% of U.S. households.The ownership cap was established to promote competition and prevent monopolization of the airwaves....
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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