Originally published Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Measure aims to halt media-ownership rule
The FCC rule would leave newspaper readers, radio listeners and TV viewers with fewer choices. Several consumer groups are challenging the rule in federal court.
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of senators Wednesday introduced a resolution to stop regulators from easing media-ownership rules in the nation's 20 largest cities.
They fear the Federal Communication Communications (FCC) rule would leave newspaper readers, radio listeners and TV viewers with fewer choices. Several consumer groups are challenging the rule in federal court.
The "resolution of disapproval" was introduced by Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., and 13 Democratic and Republican co-sponsors to stop the FCC from implementing the new rule the agency approved in December.
"When nearly half of the people in this country are told that in their cities and towns the media will get the green light to consolidate, they will not be happy," Dorgan said. "The proposal would also create a greatly relaxed approval process for newspapers to buy TV stations in any U.S. media market and spur a new wave of media consolidation in both large and small media markets."
The agency's new rule overturns a 32-year-old ban intended to keep major media companies from monopolizing newspapers and broadcasters in their market.
Advocacy groups fear the cross-ownership loosening will spread beyond the top 20 markets and that companies, such as Tribune, Media General and Gannett, will buy up competitors in smaller cities. Opponents, including Seattle Times publisher Frank Blethen, say it would concentrate too much control over local news and information in the hands of too few owners.
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, who voted for the measure along with his two Republican colleagues, had pressed for a vote despite opposition from some Capitol Hill lawmakers to delay it.
Martin contends that in the top-20 media markets, the FCC would have a high threshold for approving co-ownership.
The Newspaper Association of America, the largest trade group of U.S. newspapers, says struggling newspapers could be helped by being allowed to buy television stations, whose advertising revenue could help pay for the cost of newsgathering.
Information from Seattle Times archives is included in this report.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
Seattle may allow homeowners to build backyard cottages
Nuclear-arms control heads Obama's Moscow agenda
Bellevue ordinance would fine retailers for not collecting runaway shopping carts
Israel free to set own Iran path, Biden says
Saddam's gun may go on display as memento at Bush presidential library

2009 fireworks time lapse
With strict parking rules enforced at this year's July 4th celebration on Wallingford Ave North, less cars and more spectators filled the streets.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Tax tips for new independent professionals
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new car? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
- Former NFL MVP McNair killed
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Shooting unveils very different sides of McNair
- Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
- Quincy Jones remembers "the biggest entertainer on the planet": Michael Jackson
- Confessions of an Idol Addict | "American Idols" on tour: Live coverage from opening date
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/05 game thread
247 - Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
172 - Hatred for the NBA runs deep, but don't take it out on the players
135 - Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
125 - Former NFL MVP McNair killed
112 - Property taxes: Appeals shoot up is King, Snohomish Counties
103 - Tent City on campus: UW stalls decision
100 - Anti-tax rally in Olympia attracts about 1,500
68 - Seeking your questions
53 - Mariners did their part, now they need help
44
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Tent City on campus: UW stalls decision
- The People's Pharmacy | Estrogen mimicker found in sunscreen
- Toyota's Toyoda scolds execs for emulating U.S. car companies' mistakes
- Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
- Outdoor-theater season kicks off at Volunteer Park
- Seattle safety project: A snake shelter on Beacon Hill





