WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement in support of S. J. Res. 28, a joint resolution disapproving the Federal Communications Commission rule relaxing newspaper-broadcast media cross-ownership. The joint resolution passed by voice vote.

“I rise today in support of S. J. Res 28, a joint resolution disapproving the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule relaxing newspaper-broadcast media cross-ownership. 

“Like many of my colleagues, I am deeply troubled by the FCC’s rulemaking that would allow greater consolidation of our media. The media is a tremendous force in our society.  It can inform, educate, and entertain, as well as nourish our democratic dialogue. Unfortunately, the media also has less savory powers. 

“In recent years, we have seen an increase in coarse and violent programming, coupled with a decrease in local news and hard-hitting journalism. To say these trends are not in the best interest of the American people, and especially our youngest citizens, is clearly an understatement.

“In addition, as corporate ownership over our media grows more concentrated, we see less and less of the diversity of our nation. When programming is the same from coast to coast, our airwaves will no longer reflect the rich mosaic of our country and our citizens. Such a landscape should prompt the FCC to act with an overabundance of caution, but it has not.

“Five years ago, the FCC substantially relaxed the rules that govern media ownership in this country.  Millions of Americans contacted the FCC to complain. The United States Senate voted to support a “resolution of disapproval” in response to the FCC’s decision.  Next, the courts got involved, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals shipped the agency’s handiwork right back to the FCC. 

“In 2006, the FCC began a new rulemaking, and in November of 2007, the Commerce Committee held a hearing to discuss the effects of consolidation on localism and diversity in news and entertainment.  

“Over the following month, the Senate made clear to the Commission that it had serious concerns about the FCC’s process and its apparent rush to issue a new rule. But on December 18, 2007, over the objections of Commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein, the FCC approved a relaxed set of ownership rules under which newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership is permissible in the top 20 markets. 

“I commend Senator Dorgan for introducing S. J. Res. 28, a joint resolution disapproving the FCC rule. I am pleased to join him as a cosponsor of this resolution. I hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting S. J. Res. 28. 

“Together we can send a strong and united message that media diversity is clearly in the national interest and that the United States Senate will defend that interest with all the tools at its disposal.”