FCC Chairman Expresses Consolidation Concerns

FCC CHAIRMAN EXPRESSES CONSOLIDATION CONCERNS
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin told the Senate Commerce Committee Tuesday that he recognized that the media industry had become more concentrated since the 1996 Telecommunications Act, that he was concerned about it, and that he was keeping an open mind during the Commission's latest attempt to rewrite its ownership rules. But Martin also it said that it depends on how you measure it. He said that, in general, there had been more consolidation, but also said there was an increase in the availability of news and information via the Web and cable. Several senators questioned Chairman Martin on the issue of localism, which he called one of the key goals of regulation. He promised that he has staff working on a report on an open proceeding on the issue.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6370914?display=Breaking+News

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