Media consolidation decimates KOMO 4

[Commentary] Seattle loses strong, local journalism every time the Federal Communications Commission fails to stop media consolidation.

Corporations such as Sinclair Broadcast Group and Gannett are amassing news stations at an alarming rate, including multiple broadcast licenses in the same market -- a violation of FCC rules designed to preserve competition, localism and diverse viewpoints. The effect on Seattle viewers is eerie. Sinclair reportedly laid off nearly 20 employees after taking over Fisher Communications’ flagship station KOMO 4 in August. Another round of pink slips followed at Portland’s KATU. Decimating the soul of this city’s last locally-owned commercial TV station is a heck of an introduction. Those editors, satellite-truck operators, writers and producers are vital to keeping our community informed via the people’s airwaves, which stations are entrusted with to balance profit and public interest.

Without FCC intervention, expect further consolidation, job losses and a drop in local content. Seattle will suffer.