In August 2026, Peter Roff criticized the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and its Chairman Brendan Carr for straying from the principles of free-market regulation. Roff highlights Carr's past stance against regulatory micromanagement and argues that his recent actions suggest a troubling shift in the FCC's approach to overseeing local broadcasters.
1. Carr's Past Statements:
In 2019, Brendan Carr warned about the FCC's historical tendency to micromanage local broadcasters, emphasizing the need to stop this practice.
2. Current Actions by Carr:
As Chairman, Carr initiated investigations into affiliation agreements between television networks and local station owners, targeting groups like Gray Media and Hearst.
These agreements determine which local stations broadcast national networks' content, and Carr expressed concerns they could shift too much power to national networks.
3. Market Dynamics:
Carr argues the affiliation choices made by broadcasters might be beneficial in the short term but could ultimately harm local television's health.
However, Roff contends that it is not Carr's role to intervene in market decisions, as local stations evaluate the interests of viewers and advertisers in these agreements.
4. Regulatory Overreach:
Roff criticizes Carr's intervention, suggesting it exemplifies unwarranted government involvement in private business decisions.
Carr’s actions could limit the autonomy of broadcasters while introducing uncertainty into their operations.
5. Elimination of Ownership Caps:
The FCC is set to vote on eliminating the national television ownership cap, which restricts any one company from reaching more than 39% of U.S. households.
While some economists see the cap as outdated, Roff argues that any regulatory change should come from Congress, not the FCC.
6. Impact of Case-by-Case Review:
Carr’s proposal for a granular review approach would give FCC officials the discretion to evaluate transactions without clear guidelines, potentially leading to unequal treatment and increased regulatory power.
This could allow for favoritism in how regulatory decisions are made, undermining free-market principles.
7. Historic Authoritarianism:
The article reflects on the historical critique of both political parties for imposing oversight on business decisions.
Roff warns that if the FCC continues to manipulate market conditions, it will pave the way for future regulations that may not align with free-market values.
Peter Roff firmly believes that decision-making about broadcasters should stay within the marketplace and not be influenced by government intervention. He urges Chairman Carr to adhere to the principles he once advocated, emphasizing the need for a clear boundary between regulatory actions and marketplace freedoms. The current trajectory under Carr's leadership raises concerns about the future of broadcasting regulation and the implications for free-market policies.
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