Networks, Affiliates, NFL and the Ownership cap

[Commentary] The Federal Communications Commission’s 39% cap on television station ownership may be all that is preventing Fox and CBS from acquiring more affiliates in cities where they broadcast local football games and converting them to owned and operated stations. Fortunately for network-wary affiliates, the current majority at the FCC is not inclined to loosen the cap and it is under little pressure to do so. This is one of those instances where owners and managers of network affiliates who normally decry regulation with gusto are happy for the protection of the federal government.