This period of runaway consolidation runs counter to the Federal Communications Commission’s mandate to create a diverse and competitive U.S. media environment. Instead the agency has given a pass to monopoly-minded corporations seeking to grow their local-media empires through mergers and acquisitions and reach more Americans.

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 served as a pivotal moment: It dramatically raised the ownership cap, allowing media corporations to own a larger number of local radio and television stations. The Trump-era FCC has forfeited its obligation to serve the public interest in favor of a broadcast arena that a few powerful players dominate. And now it’s on the cusp of unleashing a new wave of industry consolidation — paving a path for conglomerates to control even more local media. The agency’s subsequent failures to address the substantial market power these conglomerates wield has consequences — including the stifling of independent voices and local-news production — while increasing wealthy owners’ influence over public opinion and national politics. 

Broadcasting & Entertainment Company Profiles

Follow each company link to learn more about its rating.

Rating Media’s Complicity with the Trump Administration

Free Press rates the degree — on a scale of one to five chicken heads (🐔) — to which each media company has compromised its commitment to independent news and information in exchange for political favors and higher profits, or simply to get the Trump administration off its back. In the rare instance where a company displays admirable independence from the political pressures of Washington, it earns a star (⚝), an ideal of autonomy to which all media must aspire if our democracy is to survive. 

In many cases, the question is not “who owns the media?” but “who owns the media owners?” This tracker provides readers with an often disturbing answer.

Legend

⚝ = Independent  
🐔 = Vulnerable
🐔🐔 = Compromising
🐔🐔🐔 = Capitulating 
🐔🐔🐔🐔 = Obeying
🐔🐔🐔🐔🐔 = Propaganda