Media Ownership Rules Blog Posts
FCC Ignores Public by Pushing Failed Ownership Policies
On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission proposed rules that would further weaken media ownership limits for local newspapers and broadcast stations. The agency's proposal is strikingly similar to one adopted in 2007 under former FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. Those rules were met with overwhelming public opposition from across the country, as well as from bipartisan leaders in Congress, and were thrown out by a federal appeals court last summer.
Congress to the FCC: Protect the Public Interest
The Federal Communications Commission is still mulling proposed changes to the rules that protect the public from media monopolies. But reports that the agency is considering handouts to broadcasters have compelled dozens of organizations to remind the FCC that its policies must benefit the public.
Letter to the FCC: Make Diversity a Priority
The media have enormous power to shape our culture. Unfortunately, our mainstream media often perpetuate negative and harmful representations of people, especially women and people of color. So it’s not a coincidence that the people who own our country’s broadcast outlets are overwhelmingly white and male.
Atlanta Turns Attention to Media Ownership
On Thursday, nearly 200 Atlantans gathered at Georgia Tech to talk media ownership. Federal Communications Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Michael Copps urged the people of Atlanta to demand better news, and to participate in debates about media ownership.
End the Big Broadcast Swindle
Television and radio broadcasters get to use our public airwaves for free. It’s a great deal … for them, at least. For the rest of us, it’s just another corporate giveaway.
These broadcasters rake in billions in profits using our public property. And what do we the public get from them in return? Next to nothing.
Media Consolidation: The Illusion of Choice
Big broadcasters want to expand their market influence, cut jobs and slash local news coverage. They have an opening — the Federal Communications Commission is currently reviewing all of its media ownership rules. These rules determine how many media outlets a corporation can own, and broadcasters are angling for fewer restrictions at the expense of our communities’ need for vital news and information. Just as the fight is heating up, blogger the Frugal Dad reminds us just how much power and influence broadcasters already have. Check out the infographic, then take action.
Tucson Falls Victim to Covert Consolidation
Raycom Media has taken control of three TV stations in Tucson in a covert consolidation deal. The new virtual triopoly will result in dozens of layoffs, as local anchor Lou Raguse noted on the air yesterday.
When Raycom takes over operations of Belo-owned KMSB and KTTU, Raycom’s station KOLD will produce all of the news for the three stations. "KOLD will, by contract, provide certain services to support the operations of KMSB and KTTU, including producing local news in high definition, in-depth weather, traffic and sports, and website administration,” said a Belo spokesperson in an email to Broadcasting & Cable.
Change the Channels
Check out the interactive map to see consolidating newsrooms near you.
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