Appendix 25B National Broadcasting Co., Inc. v. United States

319 U.S. 190 (1943)

The Case

In the late 1930s, the FCC conducted an extensive investigation into “chain broadcasting,” reflecting concerns with the competitive power of national programming networks and their influence over local radio stations. In 1941, the FCC released a Report on Chain Broadcasting, and also adopted a number of regulations affecting the relations between networks and affiliated stations. These regulations provided that no licenses would be granted to stations or applicants having specified relationships with networks. One of the regulations also limited the ownership of stations by networks.

Several parties challenged these chain broadcasting rules, asserting ...

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