Cable Lobby Groups Plan to Sue FCC Over Repeal of National TV Ownership Cap

<p>Cable lobby groups have informed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of their intention to sue the agency in response to its repeal of the National Television Ownership Rule, which restricts the number of broadcast TV stations that a single company can own.</p><p>The cable groups argue that the repeal will enable larger broadcast TV station groups to demand higher retransmission fees from television providers, potentially leading to increased monthly bills for consumers. They contend that the FCC's repeal order "arbitrarily and capriciously ignores the harms that will surely follow from allowing broadcast station groups to exceed the National Cap."</p><p>The cable lobby groups represent major providers including Comcast and Charter, along with various other cable operators. Notably, top cable companies have also been expanding through mergers. Charter completed a purchase of Cox in August after the FCC dismissed protests from advocacy groups, who claimed that the cable deal would create unchecked gatekeeper power over Internet distribution and facilitate price increases by the largest cable companies.</p>