Media Contact: 
Tina Pelkey, (202) 418-0536
tina.pelkey@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC SEEKS SUPREME COURT REVIEW OF 
THIRD CIRCUIT DECISION OBSTRUCTING COMMISSION EFFORTS TO MODERNIZE MEDIA OWNERSHIP RULES 
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2020—Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai released the following statement after the Solicitor General petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari to review the judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Prometheus Radio Project v. FCC:

“In November 2017, we adopted long-overdue reforms of our media ownership rules to allow broadcasters to compete in today’s dynamic media marketplace.  Our action was consistent with Congress’s command that we repeal or modify any such rules that are no longer in the public interest as a result of competition.  It’s unfortunate that the same divided panel of the Third Circuit yet again has blocked the Commission’s efforts to modernize our media ownership rules—the latest obstruction of Commission action and congressional intent in several cases over the last 17 years.  As our filing notes, the court’s decisions have frozen in place decades-old ownership restrictions that have outlived their competitive usefulness in the digital age.  Throughout our proceedings, the FCC has solicited extensive public input, reviewed voluminous record materials, and adopted policies that the Commission determined would strengthen local news outlets.  Absent further action by the Supreme Court, broadcasters will continue to be saddled with outdated regulations.  The Supreme Court’s intervention is necessary to restore the Commission’s discretion to regulate in the public interest and modernize media ownership regulation for the digital age, as Congress intended.”

For Chairman Pai’s statement on the Third Circuit’s ruling last year, visit click here.  

###

Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / TTY: (888) 835-5322 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 

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).