In March, hundreds of broadcast TV executives gathered at the Salamander DC, a luxury hotel just a few minutes’ walk from the Washington Monument, to talk politics and policy. The National Association of Broadcasters was hosting its annual State Leadership Conference, and speakers included Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Washington).

According to an attendee, the mood was upbeat as execs gathered in the Marina Room to watch President Trump address a joint session of Congress. His victory in November was widely seen as a preamble to deregulation, with broadcasters set to benefit. “Consolidation” was the word on everyone’s lips, and a light touch from the FCC under new chairman Brendan Carr would help broadcasters compete in a media world at risk of leaving them behind.

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