mergers

New Bill Would Impose Shot Clocks on FCC Merger Reviews

Denials and hearing referrals would have to be voted on by commissioners.

Jake Neenan

Jake Neenan

— 2 min read
New Bill Would Impose Shot Clocks on FCC Merger Reviews
Photo of Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, leaving the Senate Chambers on Monday, April 15, 2024 by Kevin Wolf/AP

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2026 – Two Capitol Hill lawmakers want to put the Federal Communications Commission on the clock.

Reps. August Pfluger, R-Texas, and Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., introduced a bill Thursday to impose shot clocks on FCC merger reviews.

The bill, called the Keep it Moving Act, would codify the FCC’s informal 180-day deadline for merger reviews, which it has at times far exceeded. If the agency missed that deadline, with some exceptions, applicants would be able to get a court to compel the agency to approve their deal. The agency would have to ask the court for permission to deny at that point.

Post tagged in
mergers August Pfluger Josh Gottheimer Brendan Carr Jessica Rosenworcel FCC CTIA NCTA NAB TEGNA Nexstar

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