Cable Lobbies to Sue FCC Over Repeal of TV Ownership Cap

Cable industry groups, including Comcast and Charter, have notified the FCC that they will file a lawsuit to stop the agency’s decision to repeal the National Television Ownership Rule. The rule, which limits how many broadcast stations a single company can own, was removed in a controversial order that the lobbyists say gives large station groups the leverage to demand higher retransmission fees. They warn that the new arrangement could raise monthly TV bills for consumers. The move comes after Charter’s recent acquisition of Cox, a deal that the FCC approved despite protests from advocacy groups that it would give cable giants unchecked gatekeeper power over internet distribution and enable price hikes.