StopBigMedia.com Coalition Shocked by FCC's Secret Timetable

StopBigMedia.com Coalition Shocked by FCC's Secret Timetable
Submitted by BuzzFlash on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 3:10pm. Alerts

A BUZZFLASH NEWS ALERT

StopBigMedia.com Coalition Shocked by FCC's Secret Timetable
Dorgan, Lott tell the FCC to 'slow down'

WASHINGTON -- The StopBigMedia.com Coalition is shocked and dismayed over news that Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin is secretly pushing for a vote to relax media ownership rules by Dec. 18. The FCC is reviewing longstanding regulations that forbid a company to own both a newspaper and a television or radio station in the same city.

"We are gravely concerned that Chairman Martin would try to secretly move on such a critical issue with such a short timetable," said Josh Silver, executive director of Free Press, which coordinates the StopBigMedia Coalition. "The public is being shut out of the process so that Martin can move forward with his Big Media giveaway."

Chairman Martin's secret plans were uncovered during a Commerce Committee hearing yesterday by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), one of the most vocal critics of media consolidation. Sen. Dorgan has co-authored a letter with Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) to the FCC calling for a more transparent and open public review of the media ownership rules.

"We do not believe the Commission has adequately studied the impact of media consolidation," wrote Sens. Dorgan and Lott. "The FCC should not rush forward and repeat mistakes of the past. The Commission is under considerable scrutiny with this proceeding. We strongly encourage you to slow down and proceed with caution."

Chairman Martin has a history of working behind closed doors on behalf of big media companies. According to a report by the Government Accountability Office, the FCC consistently leaks vital information on sensitive votes and rules to corporate lobbyists and stakeholders. In contrast, the report found that consumer and public interest groups were left in the dark.

"Chairman Martin has hosted six hearings across the country, and the overwhelming majority of public testimony opposes further consolidation," said Yolanda Hippensteele, outreach director of Free Press. "The only people who support his proposal are Rupert Murdoch, Sam Zell and a handful of other media moguls."

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http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/alerts/304

leaves office?

fired for malfeasance?

I'm sure it would be considered 'off the table,' in any case

... Congress would probably award sweeping new powers to the Commission first.

After all, that's what they did just before Gonzo resigned.

would be at the core.

K&R.

through and the questionable pundits shaping some puny little minds. I agree!