Plan To Let Broadcasters Own Newspapers In Same Market

Associated Press
Published: December 5, 2007
Updated: December 5, 2007

WASHINGTON (AP) - A U.S. Senate panel approved a bill that would put the brakes on a plan to let broadcasters own a newspaper in the same media market.

The Senate Commerce Committee yesterday approved the Media Ownership Act of 2007.

The bill would delay Federal Communications Commission passage of any new media ownership rules for 180 days, or possibly longer -- depending on whether studies on the impact of media consolidation on local communities and minority ownership are completed.

North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan says the last thing we need in this country is more concentration in the media.

The FCC is expected to vote December 18th on a plan to eliminate the ban on one company owning a radio or TV and a newspaper in the same community in the nation's 20 largest markets.

The proposal is offered by FCC Chairman Kevin Martin.
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