In 1996, the Telecommunications Act increased the total number of stations across the nation that a company could own. You used to be able to turn on the radio and get obituaries or the corn report, but not anymore. While there is no national cap, the law says there are caps for the number of stations a company can own in individual cities. In a market with between 30 and 44 stations, a company may have up to seven stations, with only four being of the same service. In markets with between 15 and 29 stations, the numbers are six and four, and in markets with fewer than 14 stations, the numbers are five and three.
Politicians say they are enhancing competition and creativity.