MB Seeks Refreshed 2018 QR Record; 2021 Action Unlikely: Oxenford

The FCC Media Bureau's seeking new comments on 2018's quadrennial review “is a positive step toward ensuring that the pillars of diversity, localism and competition are fully considered in determining what future media ownership regulation should look like,” tweeted Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. The original QR comment period ended in May 2019. “Given the passage of time since the prior comment period ended ... [and] the Supreme Court’s recent decision, we now seek further comment to update the record,” said Friday’s public notice, referring to SCOTUS' reversal of Prometheus IV (see 2104010067). The agency seeks comment on any materials filed in docket 18-349 since the comment period ended, on how the media market has changed since then, and on effects of COVID-19 and the rise in online video and spread of ATSC 3.0. The PN mentioned evidence that the pandemic didn’t affect retransmission consent revenue, asked about increasing use of online news sources, and questioned whether the FCC should account for multicast streams and satellite stations in the local TV rule. “Have recent industry developments altered the incentives or behavior of any market participants in ways that are relevant to this proceeding?” the PN asked. Comments are due 30 days after publication. “It may well be sometime in the Fall before the comment cycle for the updated comments runs its course,” broadcast lawyer David Oxenford blogged Monday. “Don’t look for any FCC action until 2022, presumably after a permanent Chair of the FCC is appointed and the vacant FCC seat is filled.”