Media Contact: 
Janice Wise, (202) 418-8165
janice.wise@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC BEGINS COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF
 NATIONAL TELEVISION OWNERSHIP CAP
 
WASHINGTON, December 14, 2017—The Federal Communications Commission today 
adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking initiating a comprehensive review of the national 
television audience reach cap, including the so-called UHF discount used by broadcasters to 
determine compliance with the cap.  The national cap limits entities from owning or controlling 
television stations that, together, reach more than 39 percent of the television households in the 
country. The Commission’s last review of this rule occurred when the video marketplace 
looked very different and most Americans had fewer options for watching video programming.  
Today’s Notice makes no tentative conclusions about whether the rule should be modified, 
retained, or eliminated. It asks questions about whether a cap is still needed and what public 
interest goals it would promote, where the cap should be set if still needed, and how 
compliance with the cap should be calculated, including the question of whether the UHF 
discount should be eliminated.  The Notice also invites comment on the Commission’s legal 
authority to take such actions.  Finally, the Notice seeks information, including data and 
empirical analysis, on the benefits and costs of modifying, retaining, or eliminating the national 
cap.
Action by the Commission December 14, 2017 by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 17-
169). Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly and Carr approving. Commissioners Clyburn and 
Rosenworcel dissenting.  Chairman Pai, Commissioners Clyburn, O’Rielly, Carr and 
Rosenworcel issuing separate statements.
MB Docket No. 17-318
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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).