Radio is on the brink of a revolution, but it’s one that’s been stifled by outdated rules for far too long. And this is the part most people miss: while TV often steals the spotlight, it’s radio that’s poised to lead the charge in FCC ownership reform. As the Federal Communications Commission finally kicks off its long-overdue 2022 quadrennial review, Rick Kaplan, Chief Legal Officer at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), argues that radio is at the ‘front of the line’ for modernization—not television. But why? Here’s where it gets controversial: Kaplan believes the financial pressures on radio are unmatched, and the three-decade-old local ownership caps are relics of a bygone era. ‘Radio is an incredibly vital service,’ Kaplan said during The NAB Podcast, ‘but it’s under more financial strain than any other medium, and these antiquated rules just don’t make sense anymore.’
The NAB is confident the FCC will prioritize radio in the coming year, though the exact timeline remains unclear. Broadcasters, Kaplan suggests, should expect movement ‘hopefully within the next year or so.’ This optimism stems from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s long-standing commitment to bringing ‘common sense’ to radio ownership rules. But here’s the kicker: the rules in question were designed in 1996—a time before streaming audio, smartphones, or satellite radio existed. Today, Kaplan argues, these rules don’t prevent dominance; they prevent radio from competing with national digital platforms that operate at an unlimited scale.
This is where opinions start to clash: Critics warn that loosening ownership limits will lead to homogenized programming, but Kaplan counters that the current rules are the real culprits. ‘Every owner is forced into the same formats to chase ad revenue,’ he explains. ‘If station owners could consolidate, programming variety would actually increase.’ He also dismisses fears of consolidation, emphasizing that radio’s ‘DNA is local.’ ‘That’s what sets us apart—our commitment to local communities,’ he said.
So, what can broadcasters do now? The FCC is accepting public comments until December 17, with reply comments due by January 16, 2026. Kaplan urges industry leaders to share their stories and explain why reform matters. ‘Your voice is critical,’ he said. ‘It helps the FCC understand the real-world impact of these rules on broadcasters.’
But here’s the question that’ll spark debate: Is Kaplan right? Will loosening ownership rules save radio, or will it lead to a loss of diversity and local flavor? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
