The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released a notice of proposed rulemaking that would eliminate a variety of media ownership restrictions for a firm owning multiple broadcast stations in a single market. In a new insight, Director of Technology and Innovation Policy Jeffrey Westling and Aryan Mirchandani explain that overly restrictive media ownership requirements can inhibit broadcasters from offering the services that their communities need, and eliminating outdated rules may allow broadcasters to better compete with digital alternatives.

They conclude:

Broadcasting rules were introduced throughout the 20th century when the ability to reach consumers was limited and regulators felt the need to protect a diversity of viewpoints. But as the new age of digital media has taken off, and news is received from agile new sources, these rules have handicapped legacy media’s attempts to retain relevance in dwindling markets. The FCC holds the power to broaden the competitive markets it views broadcasting in, fostering competition and in turn, protecting the American consumer.

Read the analysis.