October Term 2020 · Docket 19-1231
Did the FCC fail to explain why it dropped ownership rules?
Prometheus Radio Project claims the FCC ignored minority and female ownership impacts. The FCC argues Congress authorized the rule change.
Verified source milestones
- — An official oral-argument transcript was verified.
- — An official oral-argument transcript was verified.
- — An official Court opinion was verified.
The arguments, in order
This case may have been argued more than once. Each entry below uses that session's official transcript. Later arguments do not erase earlier ones.
Argument 1 ·
What happened at the argument
Ms. Deutsch argued this is an Administrative Procedure Act case. She said the agency must show reasoned decision-making.
Mr. Stewart argued Section 202(h) reflects Congress's conclusion. He said competitive developments make old restrictions unwarranted.
Ms. Walker argued the FCC decided broadcasters should not follow old rules. She cited statutory reasons for lawful reform.
Read the official transcript for this argument · Official argument details
Sources used for this argument breakdown
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 10, lines 21-27 — Transcript, file page 10, lines 21-27
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 15-51 — Transcript, file page 11, lines 15-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 7-25 — Transcript, file page 13, lines 7-25
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 17-33 — Transcript, file page 14, lines 17-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 15, lines 17-41 — Transcript, file page 15, lines 17-41
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 16, lines 7-29 — Transcript, file page 16, lines 7-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 17, lines 23-47 — Transcript, file page 17, lines 23-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 26, lines 21-19 — Transcript, file page 26, lines 21-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 47, lines 23-51 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 23-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 11-25 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 11-25
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 27-11 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 27-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 67, lines 51-51 — Transcript, file page 67, lines 51-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 67, lines 53-23 — Transcript, file page 67, lines 53-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 7-33 — Transcript, file page 69, lines 7-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 13-19 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 13-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 41-43 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 41-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 47-51 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 47-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 70, lines 19-43 — Transcript, file page 70, lines 19-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 72, lines 43-55 — Transcript, file page 72, lines 43-55
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 73, lines 43-51 — Transcript, file page 73, lines 43-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 74, lines 33-7 — Transcript, file page 74, lines 33-7
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 75, lines 29-41 — Transcript, file page 75, lines 29-41
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 75, lines 49-7 — Transcript, file page 75, lines 49-7
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 76, lines 33-35 — Transcript, file page 76, lines 33-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 76, lines 41-19 — Transcript, file page 76, lines 41-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 79, lines 27-35 — Transcript, file page 79, lines 27-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 79, lines 37-31 — Transcript, file page 79, lines 37-31
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 27-41 — Transcript, file page 8, lines 27-41
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 82, lines 33-35 — Transcript, file page 82, lines 33-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 15-33 — Transcript, file page 9, lines 15-33
A citizen's guide to the whole case
What this case is about
The FCC changed broadcast ownership rules. Prometheus Radio Project sued. The lower court sided with Prometheus. The FCC now asks the Supreme Court to review that decision.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 26, lines 21-19 — Transcript, file page 26, lines 21-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 47, lines 23-51 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 23-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 27-11 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 27-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 67, lines 51-51 — Transcript, file page 67, lines 51-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 79, lines 37-31 — Transcript, file page 79, lines 37-31
How the case got here
The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on January 19, 2021.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 11-25 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 11-25
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 70, lines 19-43 — Transcript, file page 70, lines 19-43
What each side wants
Prometheus Radio Project wants the court to keep the lower court's order. They want the FCC to explain its reasoning on ownership impacts.
The FCC wants the court to reverse the lower court. They want the new ownership rules to stand.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 26, lines 21-19 — Transcript, file page 26, lines 21-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 47, lines 23-51 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 23-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 27-11 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 27-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 67, lines 51-51 — Transcript, file page 67, lines 51-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 79, lines 37-31 — Transcript, file page 79, lines 37-31
What each side says
Prometheus Radio Project argues the FCC failed to engage in reasoned decision-making. They claim the agency ignored the impact on minority and female ownership.
The FCC argues Section 202(h) of the Telecommunications Act authorizes the change. They claim competition developments make old restrictions unnecessary.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 26, lines 21-19 — Transcript, file page 26, lines 21-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 47, lines 23-51 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 23-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 27-11 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 27-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 67, lines 51-51 — Transcript, file page 67, lines 51-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 79, lines 37-31 — Transcript, file page 79, lines 37-31
What the justices asked
Justice Thomas asked how new Internet platforms affect viewpoint diversity.
Chief Justice Roberts asked what scrutiny applies when the FCC shifts priorities between rules.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 10, lines 21-27 — Transcript, file page 10, lines 21-27
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 15-51 — Transcript, file page 11, lines 15-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 7-25 — Transcript, file page 13, lines 7-25
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 17-33 — Transcript, file page 14, lines 17-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 15, lines 17-41 — Transcript, file page 15, lines 17-41
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 16, lines 7-29 — Transcript, file page 16, lines 7-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 17, lines 23-47 — Transcript, file page 17, lines 23-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 67, lines 53-23 — Transcript, file page 67, lines 53-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 7-33 — Transcript, file page 69, lines 7-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 13-19 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 13-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 41-43 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 41-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 47-51 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 47-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 70, lines 19-43 — Transcript, file page 70, lines 19-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 72, lines 43-55 — Transcript, file page 72, lines 43-55
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 73, lines 43-51 — Transcript, file page 73, lines 43-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 74, lines 33-7 — Transcript, file page 74, lines 33-7
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 75, lines 29-41 — Transcript, file page 75, lines 29-41
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 75, lines 49-7 — Transcript, file page 75, lines 49-7
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 76, lines 33-35 — Transcript, file page 76, lines 33-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 76, lines 41-19 — Transcript, file page 76, lines 41-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 79, lines 27-35 — Transcript, file page 79, lines 27-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 27-41 — Transcript, file page 8, lines 27-41
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 82, lines 33-35 — Transcript, file page 82, lines 33-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 15-33 — Transcript, file page 9, lines 15-33
Why it matters
This case defines how much explanation an agency needs when changing rules. It affects how broadcasters operate under ownership limits. It shapes the balance between competition and diverse ownership.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 26, lines 21-19 — Transcript, file page 26, lines 21-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 47, lines 23-51 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 23-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 27-11 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 27-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 67, lines 51-51 — Transcript, file page 67, lines 51-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 79, lines 37-31 — Transcript, file page 79, lines 37-31
What happens next
This article currently covers the argument record. Use the official docket link for later case activity.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 10, lines 21-27 — Transcript, file page 10, lines 21-27
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 15-51 — Transcript, file page 11, lines 15-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 7-25 — Transcript, file page 13, lines 7-25
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 17-33 — Transcript, file page 14, lines 17-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 15, lines 17-41 — Transcript, file page 15, lines 17-41
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 16, lines 7-29 — Transcript, file page 16, lines 7-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 17, lines 23-47 — Transcript, file page 17, lines 23-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 11-25 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 11-25
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 67, lines 53-23 — Transcript, file page 67, lines 53-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 7-33 — Transcript, file page 69, lines 7-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 13-19 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 13-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 41-43 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 41-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 47-51 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 47-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 70, lines 19-43 — Transcript, file page 70, lines 19-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 72, lines 43-55 — Transcript, file page 72, lines 43-55
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 73, lines 43-51 — Transcript, file page 73, lines 43-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 74, lines 33-7 — Transcript, file page 74, lines 33-7
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 75, lines 29-41 — Transcript, file page 75, lines 29-41
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 75, lines 49-7 — Transcript, file page 75, lines 49-7
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 76, lines 33-35 — Transcript, file page 76, lines 33-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 76, lines 41-19 — Transcript, file page 76, lines 41-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 79, lines 27-35 — Transcript, file page 79, lines 27-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 27-41 — Transcript, file page 8, lines 27-41
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 82, lines 33-35 — Transcript, file page 82, lines 33-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 15-33 — Transcript, file page 9, lines 15-33
Official Court provenance
Official docket and case history · Official Supreme Court oral-argument detail page
Verified official opinions and orders
Title and summary sources
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 26, lines 21-19 — Transcript, file page 26, lines 21-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 47, lines 23-51 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 23-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 27-11 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 27-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 67, lines 51-51 — Transcript, file page 67, lines 51-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 79, lines 37-31 — Transcript, file page 79, lines 37-31
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 26, lines 21-19 — Transcript, file page 26, lines 21-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 47, lines 23-51 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 23-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 27-11 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 27-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 67, lines 51-51 — Transcript, file page 67, lines 51-51
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 79, lines 37-31 — Transcript, file page 79, lines 37-31
Revision history
- Revision 1 · Post Opinion ·
Correction: Rewritten to the concise citizen-facing editorial standard.
- Revision 2 · Post Opinion ·
Correction: Migrated to the dated official Court activity contract without model use.