FCC Needs to Include Public in New Media Ownership Proceeding

Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiated its Quadrennial Regulatory Review Regulatory Review of Broadcast Ownership Rules. The FCC last began a review of ownership rules in September 2002. The resulting rules, adopted in June 2003, were stayed and later remanded by U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Today’s action marks the beginning of what should be the most comprehensive look at media ownership regulation ever undertaken by the FCC. Benton Foundation President and former-FCC Commissioner Gloria Tristani said, "The FCC is part of our democratic system of government. Where there is an overwhelming response by Americans, the Commission should take notice. Public participation results in better policies, improves the likelihood for better buy-in from the American people, provides for a more complete record of media consolidation’s impact on local communities, and likely enhances the sustainability of any Commission decision in court."