FCC Moves to Intensify Media Consolidation

One regulation at a time, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) eliminates the few remaining broadcasting rules that protect some degree of media diversity: the 'dual network' rule being the most recent victim. According to FAIR's action alert, Viacom will immediately benefit because it can own CBS as part of the UPN network, whereas before, the rule prevented one television network from purchasing another.

'The other rule, expected to be lifted or amended in a matter of weeks, is the 'cross ownership' rule, which prohibits a company that owns a local newspaper from owning a television station in the same market,' the report says.

Since the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the number of television station owners in the U.S. has halved. FAIR's action alert calls on people to write the FCC chair, Michael Powell to protest the dismantling of protections against media monopolies and advocate for diversity in media voices.
--Sara V. Buckwitz

CONTACT:
Michael Powell, FCC Chair
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th St. S.W., Washington, DC 20554
mpowell@fcc.gov
Phone: 1-888-225-5322
Fax: 1-202-418-0232

LINKS:
• FAIR's Action Alert
• The Media Channel's Global Media Giants Rundown