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
