Minority Group Backs Martin's Class A Plan

A group in support of increasing minority ownership of mass media properties is backing Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin's proposal to give mandatory cable carriage rights to more than 500 TV stations for the first time. Martin's plan is expected to come before the five-member FCC at its Oct. 15 public meeting in Washington (DC). If adopted, the plan could set the stage for allowing so-called low-power Class A stations to apply for full-power status. Full-power stations, by law, have automatic access to local cable systems. "Class A stations offer the best opportunity for minorities, women and small-business to participate and compete in the television industry, which is increasingly consolidated with few opportunities for minority broadcasters," said David Honig, executive director of the Minority Media & Telecommunications Council, in a letter to Chairman Martin on Monday. Martin's plan would allow 555 Class A TV stations to apply for full-power status from the FCC. After obtaining approval, the stations could demand immediate cable carriage under a 1992 law held constitutional by the Supreme Court five years later.