Broadcast Ownership Rules, Cross-Ownership of Broadcast Stations and Newspapers, Multiple Ownership of Radio Broadcast Stations in Local Markets, and Definition of Radio Markets

This document completes the Commission's biennial review of its broadcast ownership rules. The Commission replaces its absolute prohibition on common ownership of daily newspapers and broadcast outlets in the same market and its restrictions on common ownership of radio and television outlets in the same market with Cross Media Limits. The Commission also revises the market definition and the way it counts stations for purposes of the local radio rule, revises the local television multiple ownership rule, modifies the national television ownership cap from a 35% national audience reach limit to a 45% reach limit, and retains the dual network rule. The action is taken in response to section 202(h) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which requires the Commission to review its broadcast ownership rules on a biennial basis to determine whether the rules remain "necessary in the public interest." The action is necessary to comply with this legislative mandate.