The Telecommunications Act of 1996 primarily changed what aspect of media law?

• A. Allowed individuals and companies to acquire as many radio stations as they want, with relaxed restrictions on the number of stations in the same city
• B. Restricted the number of radio stations a single broadcaster could own in the same city
• C. Banned ownership of radio stations by non-U.S. entities
• D. Restricted internet streaming rights

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how the Telecommunications Act of 1996 liberalized ownership rules for broadcasting. It marked a shift away from tight, in-market limits and allowed larger groups and individuals to own more radio stations, even within the same market, leading to greater consolidation in the industry. This change reflects the era’s push to promote competition and efficiency by reducing ownership caps. The other options don’t fit because the act did not impose stricter in-market limits, did not ban foreign ownership outright, and did not focus on internet streaming rights.