FCC chief to adjust plan on media ownership rules

FCC CHIEF TO ADJUST PLAN ON MEDIA OWNERSHIP RULES
[SOURCE: USAToday, AUTHOR: Paul Davidson]
In a nod to big-media critics, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission Monday night said he will temper his planned relaxation of media ownership rules before an FCC vote today. Kevin Martin said the latest change would make newspaper-broadcast mergers in smaller markets more difficult than under the plan he originally proposed. Chairman Martin said he will propose toughening the waiver criteria. For instance, to be considered for a waiver, a newspaper must have lost money three straight years, and a TV station airing no local news would have to supply at least seven hours a week. Chairman Martin said he would go forward with the vote despite a sternly worded letter from members of Congress threatening to nullify the initiative. The FCC's Republican majority supports the plan. Gene Kimmelman of Consumers Union said sharply limiting mergers in smaller markets would be "a significant improvement."
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/money/20071218/fcc18.art.htm

* FCC seen easing media ownership rules Tuesday
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