Free Press Pleased FCC Is Moving Forward to Eliminate UHF Discount
WASHINGTON -- On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to eliminate the so-called UHF discount. Getting rid of this outdated loophole is a long-overdue step toward curbing harmful media concentration.
The FCC rules adjust the law, set by Congress in 2004, that limit broadcasters from owning television stations reaching more than 39 percent of the country. Nearly 30 years ago, when the UHF discount was put in place, UHF television signals were weaker than VHF signals and were weighed differently in terms of the ownership cap. Due to the advent of digital broadcasting, UHF signals are now stronger than VHF, and the discount is outdated and unnecessary.
Free Press Policy Director Matt Wood made the following statement:
“Whatever the original justification was for this discount, it’s now obsolete.
“Broadcasters have known for the last nine years that the discount was under review. The rule lost its technical justification long ago and became nothing more than a gift for large conglomerates.
“Unfortunately, the item today would grandfather any broadcasters with deals currently pending. But the broadcasters cutting these deals had no right to expect the continuation of this outdated loophole. By eliminating it altogether, we can better promote ownership diversity and more efficient use of the public airwaves.
"We congratulate Acting FCC Chairwoman Clyburn for moving this item forward. But we are disappointed that Commissioner Pai has sided with broadcasters in arguing against the congressionally mandated limit."
