Dingell, Markey Ask Martin to Slow Down on Cross-Ownership Loosening

DINGELL, MARKEY ASK MARTIN TO SLOW DOWN ON CROSS-OWNERSHIP LOOSENING
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
In a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin, House Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-MI) said he has "serious concerns" about the timeline Martin has allowed for comment on his proposed lifting of the newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership ban. Critics of the timetable, including several Senate Democrats, have called for a 90-day comment period, as well as a separate proceeding on localism and diversity with its own 90-day comment period. Chairman Dingell made no mention of wanting a separate proceeding, but he did say that he would be asking questions at a hearing on the issue next month. In a statement, House Telecom Subcommittee Chairman Ed Markey (D-MA) added, "Chairman Martin’s media ownership proposal deserves the utmost scrutiny. Localism, diversity and competition are critical values in our national media policy. I urge Chairman Martin to ensure that the Congress and the public have an ample opportunity to review and comment on how any changes to FCC media ownership rules may affect these vital public policy objectives."
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6501515.html?rssid=193

* Dingell letter
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_110/110-ltr.111507.FCC.ltr.pdf

* Markey statement
http://markey.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3197&I...

* FCC Told Not to Rush On Ownership Rules
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119518144510595285.html?mod=todays_us_ma...

See also:
* Behind the shadows of FCC's proposal
[SOURCE: The Seattle Times, AUTHOR: Editorial staff]
[Commentary] The Federal Communications Commission's historically weak enforcement of cross-ownership waivers is worrisome when laid over a proposal from the chairman's office to encourage media consolidation. This is a bad proposal set up to allow for media consolidation in all markets.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorialsopinion/2004014430_rulee...