Media Contacts: 
Janice Wise, (202) 418-8165                                 
janice.wise@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC REINSTATES PRE-AUGUST 2016 STATUS QUO IN 
BROADCASTER MARKETPLACE
Commission Reinstates ‘UHF Discount’ While Considering Broader Rule Updates
WASHINGTON, April 20, 2017 – The Federal Communications Commission today voted to reinstate the 
so-called “UHF discount” until the Commission can address its national television ownership rule more 
holistically, in a proceeding to be launched later this year.  The action effectively returns the marketplace 
to the status quo that existed prior to August 2016, whereby stations broadcasting in the UHF spectrum 
are permitted to count 50 percent of the television households in their market when determining 
compliance with the 39 percent national cap. 
In August 2016, the Commission eliminated on a party-line vote the UHF discount.  Today’s Order finds 
that this action had the effect of substantially tightening the national cap for companies without any 
analysis of whether this tightening was warranted given current marketplace conditions. 
The FCC now concludes that the UHF discount and national television ownership cap are inextricably 
linked and that the Commission’s previous decision erred by getting rid of the UHF discount without 
simultaneously considering whether the cap itself should be modified. The Commission plans to take up 
both the question of the 39 percent cap and the UHF discount later this year.  Until then, the action taken 
today reinstates the pre-August 2016 status quo in the marketplace.
Action by the Commission April 20, 2017 by Order on Reconsideration (FCC 17-40). Chairman Pai and 
Commissioner O’Rielly approving. Commissioner Clyburn dissenting. Chairman Pai, Commissioners 
Clyburn and O’Rielly issuing separate statements.  
MB Docket No. 13-236
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official
action.  See MCI v. FCC. 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).