Cable lobby to sue Trump FCC over repeal of national TV ownership cap

The cable industry association has informed the Federal Communications Commission that they intend to sue the agency in response to the recent repeal of the National Television Ownership Rule. This rule imposes a cap on the number of broadcast television stations that a single company can own. The cable groups argue that the repeal will enable larger broadcast TV station groups to exert greater influence, potentially leading to increased retransmission fees and higher monthly TV bills for consumers.

They contend that the FCC's decision to repeal the rule is arbitrary and ignores the potential negative consequences of surpassing the established cap. The cable lobby groups include prominent providers such as Comcast and Charter, as well as numerous other cable operators. It is worth noting that these top cable companies have also facilitated mergers, with Charter recently acquiring Cox in August.

Following the FCC's rejection of protests from advocacy groups, who argued that the cable deal would grant excessive gatekeeper power over internet distribution and make it easier for the largest cable companies to raise prices, the cable lobby groups have taken legal action against the agency.