8th Circuit’s Ruling Vacates Biden-Era Restrictions, Signals Deregulation Push
The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down a Biden-era FCC regulation limiting broadcast ownership, a decision hailed by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr as a victory for local broadcasters struggling against digital media giants.
The vacated rule, upheld in 2023, barred station groups from owning multiple top-four TV stations in a single market, which critics argued stifled competition and innovation.
The court deemed the FCC’s justification “arbitrary and capricious,” citing outdated evidence. Carr, a Trump appointee, dissented from the original decision, advocating for deregulation to bolster local journalism.
The National Association of Broadcasters cheered the ruling but criticized its failure to address radio ownership limits.
With the FCC now under pressure to revise rules within 90 days.
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