In a recent conversation with the Daily Carell News Foundation, Federal Communications Commissioner Nathan Simington discussed the agency’s plans for significant changes to broadcast media regulations as part of the “delete, remove, remove” initiative.
This push for deregulation, stemming from the Trump administration under FCC chairman Brendan Kerr, aims to update what Simington termed outdated broadcast media rules. “Let’s talk about profanity cows because these are us lined up at the slaughterhouse,” Simington stated. “I think one of the main areas of interest for ‘deletion, deletion, deletion’ needs to be broadcast media regulations. Many of these were established during the Truman administration and are simply outdated.”
The “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative, launched in March, encourages the public to propose FCC rules they believe should be eliminated. According to Simington, the goal is to modernize the FCC’s regulations by getting rid of what he described as “pass dependent rentals,” which he views as relics of a progressive era.
“In 2023, streaming subscriptions have surpassed US cable subscriptions, and broadcasters no longer hold the economic and cultural significance they once did,” he said. “So, even if you support media regulations, they shouldn’t be as stringent as in the past. There isn’t really any productive debate left on this topic; it’s mostly about historical practices.”
The FCC is considering lifting long-standing media ownership caps, operational limitations, and decades-old application requirements, except where Congress or the White House explicitly dictates otherwise. Simington argued for removal unless there’s a strong reason from the president to maintain them.
“I think you need to be aware of all media ownership rules and operational restrictions,” he mentioned. “And if there’s something directly required by Congress or if we receive a clear directive from the White House, we should consider removing it unless the president expresses a desire to keep it.”
