Ownership Deregulation Looks Like Uphill Climb

Julius Genachowski's career stop as a broadcast executive and as an advocate for media ownership deregulation a decade ago suggests that he might consider an additional measure of relief. But no one is counting on it. In fact, the consensus among broadcasters and others interested in the issue is that the Federal Communications Commission is unlikely to provide any relief anytime soon, despite the congressionally mandated proceeding. Even if he were so inclined, broadcast lobbyists and lawyers say, it would be tough for FCC Chairman Genachowski to toss out structural media regulations strongly supported by congressional Democrats and liberal advocacy groups. Supporters of ownership restrictions are not taking Genachowski for granted. "I don't think there is any predisposition on the part of the chairman and his circle with respect to these ownership issues," says Andy Schwartzman of the Media Access Project. "I accept that we are going to have to convince Julius Genachowski that we're right in saying that the commission should not be relaxing these," Schwartzman says. "We're treating this as a jump ball."