FCC Opens Inquiry Into Network Power Over Local TV Affiliates

Overview

• FCC’s Media Bureau opened a public-comment proceeding on network–affiliate dynamics, with comments due Dec. 10 and replies Dec. 24.
• The notice seeks input on whether national programmers punish stations for preempting network shows and whether affiliates can air rival content or set their own schedules.
• Chair Brendan Carr framed the review as a way to empower local broadcasters to meet public-interest obligations following the September Jimmy Kimmel suspension and affiliate blackouts.
• Democratic commissioner Anna Gomez denounced the effort as outside the FCC’s authority to police journalism.
• The review coincides with large station-group deals and ownership-cap debates, with a potential Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Carr’s Senate Commerce testimony on Dec. 17 still to come.