Commerce Committee Works to Overturn FCC Media Ownership Changes

The Commerce Committee is hoping to reverse changes to the ban on media cross-ownership that the FCC voted for last December.

The Commerce Committee resolution targets the decision from the FCC that would make it permissible for media companies that own daily newspapers in the nation’s top 20 markets to also own either one lower-rated TV station or a radio station, writes Adweek.

The bill, from Sen. Byron Dorgon (D- N.D.) has 25 co-sponsors. Dorgan said he expects the measure to pass the full Senate. The Bush administration has said that it would veto an attempt to re-impose the ban.

A House version of the resolution has been introduced by Reps. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) and Dave Reichert (R-Wash.).

When News Corp bought Dow Jones last December, it received waivers from the FCC that let it own the New York Post along with TV stations in the area. News Corp. is also on the verge of acquiring Newsday from Tribune Co., and would likely have to receive waivers for that purchase, as well - even if the FCC’s new rules are not overturned, according to Reuters.

Glen Robinson, a professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, said the worsening financial condition of newspapers in general could encourage regulators to look at a Post-Newsday merger more favorably, particularly given the Post’s losses, writes Newsday. “The antitrust division would surely take seriously an argument that this acquisition will help to ensure the viability,” he said.

But media watchers worry about ongoing consolidation. “Further consolidation of the media in the New York area is a step back that will hurt our democracy,” said Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause/New York.