The Senate last night voted to nullify the FCC’s decision which allows media companies to own a newspaper and a
television station in the same market.
Sponsored by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND), and 26 other
senators - including Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama - the unusual “resolution of
disapproval,” was approved by a voice vote.
Dorgan said the FCC action opened a “gaping loophole for more mergers of newspapers and television stations across the country.”
Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said he was “disappointed with
the Senate’s action” and would recommend to the president that he veto
the bill.
“The FCC’s approach modernizes a 30-year-old rule in a
way that improves the financial viability of the newspaper industry,
which faces an increasingly competitive media market,” he said.
“Today the
Senate stood up to Washington special interests by voting to reverse
the FCC’s disappointing media consolidation rules that I have fought
against,” he said. “Our nation’s media market must reflect the diverse
voices of our population, and it is essential that the FCC promotes the
public interest and diversity in ownership.”
If we’re wondering what is currently occupying the focus of the FCC, we now have a big clue. I wouldn’t dismiss this “resolution of
disapproval,” this action by the Senate could impact the FCC in general in a very big way.
And considering how politicized the Sirius-XM merger has been, and how Senator Dorgan via ]
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