Traditional broadcast TV is already on life support, having experienced a steady decline in viewership for the past two decades. But Donald Trump’s latest attack could lead to the U.S. government pulling the plug for good. Trump has never been one to hold back against the press, but his recent proposals to revoke the licenses of TV networks he considers too critical have alarmed free speech advocates and media watchdogs. While cable news and digital platforms continue to dominate political coverage, network television remains a critical source of information for millions of Americans. 

But is broadcast TV really in danger? And if broadcast TV did disappear, what would that mean for competition among streaming platforms?

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The decline of broadcast TV

Over the past two decades, broadcast TV has experienced a sharp decline in viewership, largely due to the rise of streaming platforms such as Netflix and YouTube, as well as social media. This preference for digital, on-demand content and subscription-based services is a trend driven by younger audiences. It has also led to a decline in advertising revenue, which has forced many traditional broadcasters to cut costs, downsize newsrooms, and rethink their programming strategies. But despite these challenges, broadcast TV still plays a very important role in delivering local and national news to millions of Americans, particularly in rural areas and among older demographics who rely on free-to-air programming. 

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Trump’s war on the media

It is no secret that President Donald Trump is continuing his long-running war against the media. Throughout his career, Trump has frequently accused major broadcast networks, such as NBC, CBS and ABC of pushing “fake news” and promoting a left-leaning bias. He has repeatedly suggested that the government should take action against media outlets that portray him unfavorably. In one of his most controversial statements, Trump argued that MSNBC “shouldn’t have a right to broadcast,” openly questioning the legitimacy of a major news network. 

The proposals floated during his recent presidential campaign about revoking FCC licenses for networks he deems too critical are not likely to develop beyond a threat. Media and legal experts widely agree that any attempt to forcibly take these networks off the air would face significant constitutional pushback under the First Amendment. But his continued criticism of the media, coupled with financial strains and a weakened viewership, is paving the way for a rocky future in broadcast TV. 

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What might competition look like among streaming platforms?

The streaming industry has already evolved into a fiercely competitive arena, led by major players such as Netflix and Disney+. New platforms, such as Peacock and HBO Max, are added to the roster every day, all vying for audience attention and new subscribers. If broadcast TV were to one day disappear completely from the airwaves, the streaming industry would likely undergo a transformation, having become the primary source for live news, sports and huge entertainment events. 

One of the biggest differences would be seen in live programming. Traditional broadcasters currently hold an edge over streaming services in delivering real-time news and entertainment. But without them, streaming platforms would need to fill this gap. Some have already begun investing in the necessary infrastructure and rights to sports leagues for example, such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+. News stations may even transition definitively to the digital space, partnering with social media platforms for greater reach and access to younger audiences.

Audiences could also see differences to fee structures. A survey conducted in 2024 found that 88% of U.S. adults subscribe to at least one streaming platform, suggesting that 12% rely solely on free broadcast TV. Some platforms may choose to launch free or low-cost live streaming tiers funded by advertising, similar to what Peacock and Pluto TV offer now. Unfortunately, losing free broadcast TV could also widen the digital divide, making reliable news and entertainment increasingly dependent on paid subscriptions and internet access.

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