FCC chief hints at deregulation

On Sept. 20, Chicagoans packed into an auditorium to voice concerns about media consolidation before the leadership of the Federal Communications Commission. Hundreds were there to urge the agency's five commissioners to foster more diversity over the air, by deciding to stop any further amassing of local TV, radio and newspaper outlets under a single corporate owner. But it seems that this FCC decision has already been cast. During a meeting with Tribune editors earlier in the day, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin hinted very strongly that he plans to lift the existing "cross-ownership" ban that has been on the books for more than 30 years. Such a change to the rules would unleash a new wave of consolidation in local markets. Martin reportedly told his private Tribune audience that he wants to relieve the strain placed on newspapers by the digital marketplace for news -- a claim that has been soundly disputed by a recent Free Press study on Chicago news diversity. Earlier this year, Chicago real estate mogul Sam Zell offered to buy all Tribune Company properties -- including its 16 dailies and 23 television stations, many in the same markets. Zell wants to take the company private. The success of Zell's bid hinges upon the FCC's action to either lift cross-ownership bans or extend waivers to Tribune in key markets where the company owns several properties. If Martin's FCC proceeds in lifting cross-ownership, the Tribune or any other single company could own the main daily newspaper, eight radio stations, three television stations and a major cable provider in the same town. This would accelerate the leeching of diverse perspectives from mainstream media. Minority ownership of radio and television stations is already at a dismal low. According to Free Press, racial or ethnic minorities own just 7.7 percent of all full-power commercial broadcast radio stations and just 3.26 percent of all TV stations, though they account for 33 percent of the US population.