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FCC May Ease Rules on Media Owners

Would allow firms to own newspapers and TV stations in same city

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 18, 2007 6:22 AM CDT

(Newser) – FCC Chairman Kevin Martin wants to relax limits on media consolidation, starting with repealing the rule that a company cannot own a newspaper and television or radio station in the same city, the New York Times reports. The commission is split, with two Democrats opposed and three Republicans supporting, a majority that may be too fragile to change the rules.

Martin has proposed an aggressive timetable for rolling back the 60-year-old rule—which previous FCC chief Michael Powell attempted to relax, only to lose to a court challenge three years ago—by the end of the year. “If the chairman intends to do something by the end of the year, then there will be a firestorm of protest," said one lawmaker.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin J. Martin, left, accompanied by commissioners Michael J. Copps, center, and Jonathan S. Adelstein, right. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) (Associated Press)

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin J. Martin, left, looks on as commissioner Michael J. Copps, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File) (Associated Press)

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin J. Martin, left, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, in this Feb. 1, 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File) (Associated Press)

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FCC May Ease Rules on Media Owners

Would allow firms to own newspapers and TV stations in same city

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FCC May Ease Rules on Media Owners

Would allow firms to own newspapers and TV stations in same city

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Rupert Murdoch • Sam Zell • FCC • Tribune Company • Fox • Kevin J. Martin

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Fox Censors Phone-Hacking Bit at Emmys

Alec Baldwin pulls videotaped skit after joke is axed

Ailes 'Feared Bombing' by Gays

Rolling Stone profile paints Fox News boss as paranoid propagandist

Trib CEO to Jump Before Being Pushed Out

Randy Michaels expected to resign this week

How Frat Boy Hijinks Helped Screw the Tribune Co.

Boss Randy Michaels 'offered $100 to waitress to flash her breasts'

Family Guy Racks Up Most Indecency Complaints

Fox programs account for half of all gripes

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?