The End Is Near?

THE END IS NEAR
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: Editorial staff]
[Commentary] After 18 months of hearings and studies and public input, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin is about to propose that newspaper-broadcast cross-ownerships be allowed in the same city. This is a very old issue that has been successfully opposed by public-interest groups and others that fail to recognize that there is no good reason to keep the rule around. Indeed, many papers are now being printed in red ink. In cities nationwide, newspapers are cutting staffs, features, even whole sections. News platforms are changing far faster than politicians' rhetoric. Progressive television stations are making news-sharing arrangements with newspapers. Newspaper Websites shoot video. Television Websites write stories. Opposing cross-ownership in these times is about as relevant as, well, yesterday's newspaper.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6492826.html

* Cross-ownership of media can be good
[Commentary] Dual ownership of a local newspaper and a local radio station, handled responsibly, can be of benefit to any community.
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/opinion/columnists/scn-sa-russelloct21,0,525911.column?coll=stam-opinion-columnists

* Will Martin Rule?
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
According to an FCC source, on November 13, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin will release his proposed media ownership rule changes. These changes will almost certainly include allowing newspaper-broadcast station cross-ownership. The full Commission could vote on December 18.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6492824.html

* Media ownership proceeding heads towards endgame
AFL-CIO leader Paul Almeida: "Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin is doing a Michael Powell. He’s trying to ram through new rules to give more billions to billionaires -- people like Rupert Murdoch and Sam Zell -- at our expense."
http://www.lasarletter.net/drupal/node/487