I haven't seen anything about this posted, but this is a step in the right direction...and long overdue...
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-media16-2008may16,0,6454559.storySenate votes to revive ban on media cross-ownership
It calls for a reversal of the FCC's loosening of cross-ownership rule.
From the Associated Press
May 16, 2008
The Senate voted Thursday night to nullify a Federal Communications Commission rule that allows media companies to own a newspaper and a TV station in the same market.
The unusual "resolution of disapproval," sponsored by Sen. Byron L. Dorgan (D-N.D.) and 24 other senators, was approved on a voice vote.
Republican FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin has described the agency's action as a "relatively minor loosening" of media ownership restrictions. The FCC approved the rule on a 3-2 vote in December with both Democrats dissenting.
The FCC decision allows one company to own a newspaper and a broadcast station in the nation's 20 largest metropolitan areas. The TV station may not be among the top four in the market and, post-transaction, at least eight independent media voices must remain. The rule replaced an outright ban on cross-ownership.
Some may remember this rule was ramrodded through last year and has benefitted Sam Zell and Rupert Murdoch who stood to lose billions if they couldn't get these waivers. This also is the first step to roll back the disasterous "deregulation" rules that have allowed the large corporates to monopolize our "public" airwaves.
This rule isn't changed yet...the House also has to pass a similar resolution and assuredly his assholiness will veto it...but it's a harbinger of things to come. While this may not do any good now, it is sure to come up again if the Democrats win in November...and another reason why elections matter.
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