On 02/04/08, the FCC posted this: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-216A1.pdf in which they proposed to eliminate, in certain cases, the limits on cross-ownership of broadcast stations and newspapers, for radio or TV broadcasters. The 39 percent national cap, UHF discount, and dual network ownership rule were not affected. "Today, we make a modest change in the rule that has the primary effect of presuming that certain limited combinations of newspaper and broadcast facilities in the largest markets are in the public interest. In this order, we take a modest step in loosening the complete ban on cross-ownership. We adopt a presumption, in the top 20 Designated Market Areas ('DMAs'), that it is not inconsistent with the public interest for one entity to own a daily newspaper and a radio station or, under the following limited circumstances, a daily newspaper and a television station, if (1) the television station is not ranked among the top four stations in the DMA and (2) at least eight independent 'major media voices' remain in the DMA." Commissioners Copps and Adelstein dissented at the time. Today, this from Commissioner Copps: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-282239A1.pdf "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 newspaperbroadcast 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." And from Commssioner Adelstein: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-282231A1.pdf "The Senate's complete rejection of the FCC's attempt to permit greater media concentration represents a great victory of the people over the powerful. In light of the Senate's action, any proposed transaction seeking to exploit the new rules will likely face intense scrutiny. This vote reflects a strong consensus across the ideological spectrum against further media concentration, from left to right and virtually everybody in between. The FCC veered dangerously off-course from the American mainstream, so our elected representatives are trying to steer us back. This unequivocal, bipartisan rebuke of the FCC is a wake-up call for us to serve the public rather than the media giants we oversee. Chairman Inouye, Senator Dorgan, Vice Chairman Stevens, Senator Snowe and the many other Senate leaders and public interest organizations who pushed this forward deserve our congratulations and the thanks of the American people." I have a feeling that any attempt to increase the national cap would suffer the same fate. Unless the populist rhetoric can be directed toward what it takes to save FOTA TV, in the face of competition from "powerful media" that are allowed to follow a different set of rules, rules which are far more appealing to the advertizers. Presentation is everything. It would take a concerted lobbying effort. Bert ---------------------------------------------------------------------- You can UNSUBSCRIBE from the OpenDTV list in two ways: - Using the UNSUBSCRIBE command in your user configuration settings at FreeLists.org - By sending a message to: opendtv-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word unsubscribe in the subject line.