FCC plans relaxation of media ownership rules, watchdogs say

[kpete]

FCC plans relaxation of media ownership rules, watchdogs say

John Byrne
Published: Wednesday May 31, 2006

Move to allow more consolidation could come as soon as June 15

The Federal Communications Commission is poised to propose new media ownership rules that will allow media companies to own newspapers, television and radio stations in the same city, according to media watchdog groups.

The proposed rule would dissolve a longstanding policy that prohibited corporations from owning a television station and a daily newspaper in the same market. The "cross ownership" rule, promulgated in 1975, was enacted to ensure media diversity.

Individuals close to the Commission say the FCC will propose relaxing media ownership rules, possibly as soon as June 15 when the Commission next meets, the media watchdog Center for Media and Democracy says.

"All indications are that the next time the FCC meets – now that they have a full commission – we expect to see media ownership come up, and we think it will be the cross ownership rule," said spokesman Craig Aaron.

more at:
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/FCC_plans_relaxation_of_media_ownership_0531.html

[AndyTiedye]

1. Nice Pre-Election Gift to Big Media. To Be Repaid With 24x7 Shilling

[reichstag911]

2. Uh, what rules?

Are there any left? :shrug:

[SmokingJacket]

3. Because the last time they loosened the rules was a whole two

years ago or something, was it not?

Well, big media is now officially irrelevent.

[Poiuyt]

4. Whoever owns the media, owns the country

I think the first issue that our country should correct is to impose a fairness doctrine like there had been.

[RagingInMiami]

5. They tried this two years ago

And there was some backlash, now they're trying it again. This is extremely dangerous and must be stopped.

[Copperred]

6. Agreed.

[Armstead]

7. Call Out the Cavalry to fight this

We have already gone WAY TOO FAR in allowing concentration of media ownership. We were already there in the 1990's BEFORE the Telecommunications "Reform" Act was passed.

Somewhere this has to stop. Rather than looseniong ownertship rules, they should be re-tightening them.

[Last Stand]

12. This is the 2nd time for BushCo on this issue.

And the first time was despite strong bipartisan opposition. It was one of BushCo's first moves after installing Michael Powell. It was a far more important part of their plan than we thought. They created the "run-up to the War" with it and they have managed to keep everyone on message with this tactic. It WWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYY dangerous.

[Vidar]

8. Breaking--Fox to purchase CBS

[Roland99]

9. Why don't we just have outright GOP-controlled, state media?

Just remove the facade.

[Armstead]

10. Kick

Too important to let slide

[otohara]

11. Ummmm....They Tried This & Failed in 03

what makes them think they will pass it this time? People will not stand for this, they now see how damaging it was after the 96 Tele. Comm. Act.

This is why the media fucks still suck up to the Bushies, because they want this to happen before he and the GOP lose power.

Even the wingnuts were against it!

``The NRA asked its members to write Powell,'' that is the FCC Chairman, ``and lawmakers in support of the existing rules, said Wayne LaPierre, the NRA's executive vice president.'' Quote from Mr. LaPierre: ``These big media conglomerates are already pushing out diversity of political opinion.''

http://bernie.house.gov/statements/20030520172034.asp