This week my RSS reader was filled with news coming out of the FCC. Are they spurring a new wave of broadcast media consolidation? Is the Universal Service Fund (USF) no longer needed in the age of Starlink? Disney also announced all commercial spots for the 2027 Super Bowl have been sold.

So, grab a fresh cup of coffee, settle in, and join me for a quick weekend read.

I like to gather and share articles that catch my eye, intrigue, inspire, or just feel relevant to our world. The goal is simply to share what I’m reading and learn from our great colleagues throughout the industry.

I hope you enjoy, drop me a note if you have an article or link I may be interested in.

FCC lifts the cap limiting the size of TV broadcasting companies

Source: Washington Post (Read - Gifted Article Link)

The FCC’s commissioners voted 2-1 to replace the 39% ownership cap with a case-by-case review. Free Press announced their intentions to appeal the decision in court. National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt called it “a generational step toward strengthening local stations and ensuring they can compete in today’s media marketplace.”

Source: Light Reading

The Universal Service Fund (USF) is a federal system managed by the FCC to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable, quality telecommunications and broadband services. SpaceX is making the case that USF efforts “have outlived their purpose” in an era of ubiquitous low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks. Link: SpaceX FCC Filing

Disney Has Already Sold All Its Ads For Next Year’s Super Bowl

Source: Hollywood Reporter

Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, will mark ESPN’s first-ever production of the Super Bowl in network history. Disney, the parent company of ESPN, was seeking $10M per 30-second spot. According to Disney, 58 brands have bought time during the game.