Tom DeLay, the Republican former House Majority Leader who spearheaded the National Television Ownership Rule, has warned that the Trump FCC lacks legal authority to repeal it. Despite his support for deregulation, he argues only Congress can change the 39 percent cap enshrined in US law.
Carr, the FCC Chairman, announced a plan to eliminate the rule just three weeks ago. The FCC is scheduled to vote on this proposal during Thursday's meeting. DeLay’s op-ed highlights the tension between regulatory agencies and legislative powers within the American constitutional framework.
The TV ownership cap was implemented by the FCC and later directed by Congress in 1996 to remain at its current level of 39 percent, after several modifications since 1985. DeLay’s involvement with this rule underscores his influence on media regulation during his tenure as a legislator.
Carr will be the first to test whether the FCC has the legal authority to revoke the cap. DeLay, who left Congress in 2006 amid financial scandal convictions, maintains that any attempt by the FCC to raise this statutory limit must come through congressional action.
