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Public Expresses Frustration Over Broadcast Media
Two FCC members hear calls to boost standards and end consolidation of station ownership.
By Meg James
L.A. Times Staff Writer
September 4, 2006
Deep frustration over the media's often frivolous and occasionally insensitive broadcasts bubbled over late last week in Los Angeles as a parade of speakers spent 4 1/2 hours imploring two federal regulators to enforce higher standards and halt any further consolidation of radio and television station ownership.
Nearly 250 people showed up for a hearing at USC , one of several across the country that will be held as the Federal Communications Commission embarks, yet again, on an overhaul of media ownership rules.
"We are right back to square one," said Michael J. Copps, one of two FCC members at the meeting Thursday.
In 2003, the agency voted 3 to 2 to allow companies to own more TV stations across the country and to control both a station and a newspaper in the same market. After an outpouring of protest from consumer groups and others, Congress weighed in, undercutting the FCC's action. Separately, the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals called the new regulations unjustified and sent them back to the agency for revision.
"It was a near-disaster for the United States of America, and we cannot let that happen again," said Copps, who, along with the other Democrat on the commission, Jonathan S. Adelstein, had voted against the rules.
The full FCC is expected to vote on the media ownership rules next year. The issue is considered a test for FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin, who took the helm last year in the wake of the controversy.
More at http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-fi-fcc4sep04,1,1219128,print.story
Two FCC members hear calls to boost standards and end consolidation of station ownership.
By Meg James
L.A. Times Staff Writer
September 4, 2006
Deep frustration over the media's often frivolous and occasionally insensitive broadcasts bubbled over late last week in Los Angeles as a parade of speakers spent 4 1/2 hours imploring two federal regulators to enforce higher standards and halt any further consolidation of radio and television station ownership.
Nearly 250 people showed up for a hearing at USC , one of several across the country that will be held as the Federal Communications Commission embarks, yet again, on an overhaul of media ownership rules.
"We are right back to square one," said Michael J. Copps, one of two FCC members at the meeting Thursday.
In 2003, the agency voted 3 to 2 to allow companies to own more TV stations across the country and to control both a station and a newspaper in the same market. After an outpouring of protest from consumer groups and others, Congress weighed in, undercutting the FCC's action. Separately, the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals called the new regulations unjustified and sent them back to the agency for revision.
"It was a near-disaster for the United States of America, and we cannot let that happen again," said Copps, who, along with the other Democrat on the commission, Jonathan S. Adelstein, had voted against the rules.
The full FCC is expected to vote on the media ownership rules next year. The issue is considered a test for FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin, who took the helm last year in the wake of the controversy.
More at http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-fi-fcc4sep04,1,1219128,print.story