The US Federal Communications Commission is expected to vote on 6 August on scrapping the national cap on television-station ownership, a move that would give broadcasters a major regulatory victory. Supporters argue the restriction is outdated in a market reshaped by streaming and internet platforms, while critics may see its removal as weakening safeguards intended to preserve diverse local media ownership and viewpoints.

The current rule limits a company’s reach to 39% of US television households, although technical provisions have enabled groups such as Nexstar and Sinclair to own more than 200 and nearly 180 stations respectively. The ownership cap is also central to legal efforts by eight state attorneys general to block Nexstar’s merger with Tegna. FCC chairman Brendan Carr is separately examining broadcasters’ concerns about major sports moving to subscription streaming services, amid questions over the Sports Broadcasting Act.