Senate votes to close loophole in FCC media ownerships

The Senate Thursday night voted to nullify a Federal Communications Commission rule that allows media companies to own a newspaper and a television station in the same market.

The unusual "resolution of disapproval," sponsored by Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., and 26 other senators, was approved by a voice vote. The measures sponsors include both Democratic candidates for president, Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois.

Dorgan said the FCC action opened a "gaping loophole for more mergers of newspapers and television stations across the country."

Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii opposed the FCC's action.

"In recent years, we have seen an increase in coarse and violent programming, coupled with a decrease in local news and hard-hitting journalism," Inouye said Thursday night. "To say these trends are not in the best interest of the American people, and especially our youngest citizens, is clearly an understatement."

The House is also considering a nullification of the ownership rule, but even if supporters are successful, the measure would likely be rejected by President Bush.

* FCC Statement by Commissioner Michael J. Copps: link

"The Senate spoke for a huge majority of Americans last night by voting to overturn the flawed FCC decision gutting our long-standing ban on newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership.  With courageous leaders like Senator Byron Dorgan, the Senate has struck a blow for localism and diversity in a media environment crying out for more of both."

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"Senate Opposes media ownership Rule" via usnews.com

FCC would allow newspapers in big cities to own broadcast outlets