Senate stomps Powell's media rules

Federal Communication Commission chairman Michael Powell's new media rules have again been trampled, this time by the US Senate which voted 55-40 to overturn them.

"On June 2, the FCC passed new rules that allow a newspaper to buy a television station in the same city or vice versa, combinations known as 'cross-ownership'," the Washington Post summed it up today.

"Also, the new rules let a broadcast network, such as ABC and Fox, own a group of stations that reach up to 45 percent of the national audience, up from 35 percent, the current 'national cap.' They allow one media company to own more than one station in many cities. Finally, the new rules tighten radio ownership rules, essentially capping national radio consolidation."

Defying a White House veto threat, "The Senate approved a resolution Tuesday to repeal media ownership rules that critics say could lead to a wave of mergers and stifle diversity and local viewpoints in news and entertainment," says an Associated Press report, going on:

"We have to ensure that the marketplace of ideas is not dominated by a few conglomerates at the expense of our citizens and our democracy," said Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash) was quoted as saying in the report.

"The new FCC rules were championed by FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell, who argued that consolidation was less a threat now than when the rules were enacted because consumers have many more choices for their news and entertainment," says the Post story.