Plain-English summary
Court reverses Third Circuit, finds FCC's 2017 media‑ownership rule changes lawful under APA
In FCC v. Prometheus Radio Project (19-1231), the Supreme Court unanimously held that the FCC’s 2017 decision to repeal or modify three media‑ownership rules was not arbitrary or capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). The Court reversed the Third Circuit and sent the matter back to the agency.
Why this matters
The ruling affirms the FCC’s discretion to change media‑ownership policy so long as it provides a reasoned explanation and considers relevant factors. That affects how media markets are regulated and the balance between consolidation and diversity of local news and viewpoints.
Who may feel it
- Broadcast companies and media owners
- Local radio and television stations
- Consumers of local news and programming
- Regulatory agencies and policymakers
- Advocacy groups focused on media diversity and competition
Key questions
- Did the FCC provide a reasoned explanation, and adequately consider relevant evidence, when it repealed or modified three media‑ownership rules in 2017?
- Was the agency’s action arbitrary or capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act?