Headlines
FCC: Stations Airing `Partisan' Talk Shows and Late Night Programs Must Comply with Equal Time Rules
In a move that could have a major impact on daytime and late night talk shows, the Federal Communications Commissions' Media Bureau has issued guidance telling broadcast stations airing certain late night and daytime talk shows that they are required to give equal time to rival candidates.
Big Tech Is Existential Threat to Localism, Broadcasters Tell FCC
More radio broadcast groups of all sizes are pressing the FCC to dismantle local ownership caps, arguing that rules built for a pre-digital era now leave broadcast radio structurally disadvantaged against tech platforms that face no limits on scale or market concentration.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Deal Digest: Ohio Faith-Based Broadcasters Consolidate
Ryan Delaney has filed a $335,000 deal to buy country WBCU, Union, SC (1460) from James Woodson. The deal includes the Union, SC-licensed translator W278BE at 103.5 FM. Delaney currently holds a majority stake in “Fox Sports 1400” WSPG in the nearby Greenville-Spartanburg, SC market.
FCC
Major station groups push for mandatory ATSC 3.0 transition date in new FCC filings
Major broadcast companies filed sharply contrasting responses to the Federal Communications Commission’s proposal to eliminate simulcasting requirements for ATSC 3.0, with most large station groups calling for mandatory transition deadlines while smaller broadcasters warned against forcing a premature shift that could harm viewers.
CTA urges FCC to reject ATSC 3.0 tuner mandate in new filing
The Consumer Technology Association filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission on Jan. 20 opposing a potential mandate for ATSC 3.0 tuners in television receivers, arguing such a requirement would increase costs for consumers while contradicting the administration’s deregulatory priorities.
Radio
Automotive Industry Still Actively Lobbying Against AM Radio Act
A federal government shutdown that stretched from October into November 2025 reshaped fourth-quarter lobbying around broadcasting — flattening, but not stopping, the battle between automakers and broadcasters over the future of radio in vehicle dashboards.
Pay TV
The End Of The Cable Network Era
The consumers have spoken and they’re tired of paying huge monthly fees for channels they did not watch.
Media
New bill would offer tax credits for local media advertising; hearing Wednesday afternoon
A bill introduced to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in December could create a temporary, refundable tax credit for small businesses that spend money on advertising in local media.