Critics Analyze Martin's Ownership Plan

CRITICS ANALYZE MARTIN'S OWNERSHIP PLAN
[SOURCE: Technology Daily 11/15, AUTHOR: David Hatch]
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin is trying to satisfy two key prerequisites demanded by lawmakers and watchdogs for agency action on modifying media-ownership rules -- but critics say his efforts fall short. They have called on Chairman Martin to complete a proceeding examining the amount of locally originated programming aired by broadcasters and to move forward on adoption of rules promoting ownership of media outlets by minorities and women. The FCC Chairman is under pressure from Congress and advocacy groups to delay a planned Dec. 18 vote on easing the ban prohibiting one entity from owning a newspaper and broadcast station in the same market. But Chairman Martin is moving on a fast track. He has circulated among his four agency colleagues a localism report accompanied by proposed rules designed to increase the amount of community news and civic-minded fare on local television stations.
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/2007/11/critics_analyze_martins_owners.ht...