Network stations challenge ownership rules in court

The Network Affiliated Stations Alliance (NASA), representing 600 broadcast stations affiliated with the big three networks, has asked the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. to overturn the FCC’s June 2 decision to raise the cap on national TV ownership to 45 percent of the nation’s TV homes.

NASA, which is asking for a return to the current 35 percent cap, charged that the FCC’s decision was "arbitrary, capricious, and otherwise not in accordance with law."

NASA counsel Wade Hargrove said a brief documenting the specific points being challenged would soon be filed.

In a separate filing with the court, the NAB also appealed parts of the FCC media ownership rulings dealing with radio ownership and duopoly.

For more information visit www.fcc.gov and www.nab.org.

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