Copps: FCC's Power Broker

COPPS: FCC'S POWER BROKER
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
A Q&A with FCC Commissioner Michael Copps. With the Democrats having taken the Hill and Republican FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell proving to be an independent-minded commissioner rather than a lock for a third vote for Chairman Kevin Martin, the power of the Democratic minority on the commission has grown. On his message to broadcasters: "I guess I would say that they are the stewards of a precious public jewel and I went there to applaud those who work hard to service the public interest by putting real resources into news and public affairs and local coverage. I understand there are challenges that exist in the media environment we all find ourselves in, but I'm also there to say that I am worried that it is becoming more and more difficult for these folks to meet those objectives we talked about in this age of media consolidation and the often unforgiving expectations of Wall Street and Madison Avenue. Their job of gathering and communicating news and public affairs is more important now than ever before, especially in this environment. That isn't just something nice for them to do, but that was the original bargain, to use the airwaves to serve the public interest. We need to make sure those principles are front and center and take broadcasters to new and even higher altitudes."
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