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Media Diversity

In 2003, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to relax media ownership rules. That decision would have enabled large companies to buy more television stations and own a newspaper and a broadcast outlet in the same city. This decision was a significant blow to the basic democratic values of diversity, competition in media and media that is locally owned and managed. These changes never went into effect thanks to a provision in the FY2004 Consolidated Appropriations bill and a 2004 Court of Appeals decision (Prometheus Radio Project vs. Federal Communications Commission) challenging aspects of the FCC decision.
 
On December 18, 2007, the FCC voted again to relax media ownership rules. The new rules allow for, in the 20 largest local markets, a major daily newspaper to own a television station or radio station. In certain cases, it could allow for these mergers in smaller markets as well.
 
In response, I have cosponsored the Media Ownership Act of 2007, which would require the FCC to publish any proposed changes to media ownership rules at least 90 days before taking a vote; requires the FCC to hold a public comment period of at least 60 days; and respond to those comments within 30 days. In addition, this legislation would establish an independent panel on Women and Minority Ownership of Broadcast Media to make recommendations on specific rules to encourage female and minority ownership. The requirements in this legislation would be retroactive to any attempts to change media ownership rules after October 1, 2007.
 
I am a strong proponent of locally owned media and competition and diversity in this industry, and I will continue to work to see that these principles are protected.