ownership

NAB and its members have for decades fought the FCC’s disparate restrictions on the multiple and cross-ownership of television and radio stations — restrictions that do not apply to competing video and audio providers, including cable, satellite and online. The FCC must stop this unfair treatment if it truly cares about competition, diversity and localism.

A U.S. regulator whose vote is needed to change television-station ownership rules that may force Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. to sell assets is pushing to ensure smaller companies can win exceptions. Mignon Clyburn, a member of the Federal Communications Commission’s Democratic majority, said in an interview she wants “balance” as the agency tightens regulations for controlling more than one station in a market.

The Seattle Times editorial page says too many television stations are getting bought up by a handful of companies too quickly. The result is less news and information from different viewpoints — and a weakened democracy.