COPPS FLIRTS WITH RELEASING MEDIA OWNERSHIP DRAFT TO PUBLIC
FCC Comr. Copps didn’t rule out the idea of releasing the FCC’s ownership proposals to the public as a response to the perceived secrecy surrounding the agency’s media ownership biennial review. He also said he could consider asking for a one-month delay in the vote on the issue, but said he would make no decisions until he saw the proposed rules, which are expected by today (Mon.). At a New America Foundation event on Capitol Hill Fri., Copps and Comr. Adelstein, along with several senators, expressed their concern about media consolidation and the way the FCC was handling the biennial review, which is scheduled to be voted on June 2.
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Copps said all FCC commissioners should receive a copy of the FCC’s proposed rules by today. All are required to have copies of documentation 3 weeks before a vote, which would require a Mon. delivery of the proposed rules, Copps said. The forum featured several speakers who complained about the secretive nature of the FCC’s media ownership proceeding, with Copps among the most vocal. But when asked whether he would take it upon himself to release the order, Copps said he would have to see it first before he made that decision. However, he added: “The American people do need to know.”
Copps, questioned about asking for a one-month delay on the item, said he would consider it. Traditionally, commissioners are granted a one-month delay as a courtesy. However, at a news conference 2 weeks ago (CD May 2 p1), Powell said there would have to be a good reason for such a request and he wouldn’t grant a delay just for the sake of a delay.
Adelstein suggested Powell had attempted to keep the potential rules secret because the public would oppose them. He said Powell had denied several requests to speak with outside parties about changes and said there should be some kind of public airing of the rules before they were voted on. At the same conference, Powell disputed claims that he was keeping his media ownership plans secret, saying he and staff had met with the commissioners several times about the new rules.
Several public officials expressed concern about media ownership and the state of the media today. Senate Commerce Committee ranking Democrat Hollings (S.C.) said it was important to keep a strong media to foster democracy but said they were ignoring stories such as the deficit that would be created by tax cuts. “We're in real trouble with respect to the media,” he said.
Sen. Wyden (D-Ore.) said arguments that looser ownership rules would create more efficiency didn’t address the issue, which he said was the effect a diverse set of voices has on democracy. He said all one had to do was look at the consolidation that had occurred in radio since the 1996 Telecom Act relaxed its ownership rules. The FCC’s media ownership proceeding has the potential to “fundamentally change what this country is about, and not for the better,” Wyden said. Sen. Dorgan (D-N.D.) said he would hold a hearing on media ownership before the Democratic Policy Committee Fri.
Several panelists raised questions about the media’s coverage of the proceedings. “I wonder if the media is incapable of covering itself,” Adelstein said. “They keep Americans in the dark on this issue.” Future of Music Coalition Exec. Dir. Jenny Toomey said a letter to Powell opposing further media consolidation that was signed by dozens of A-list music celebrities got no coverage in the media. “They make news without trying and there are hour- long shows about their wardrobe,” Toomey said of music celebrities signing the letter. “But there was no coverage of this letter.” She said the diverse list of musicians included country stars Toby Keith and Tim McGraw, rock act Pearl Jam and crooner Neil Diamond.
Relaxation of media ownership rules would make it more difficult for local station owners to select content appropriate for their communities, Capitol Bcstg. CEO James Goodmon said. He said he decided not to air the Fox show Married by America on his N.C. Fox affiliate, a decision he said was met with praise and complaints. “We decided we weren’t going to demean the institution of marriage. I'm not saying it was the best decision, but it was a decision,” he said. “Do you think a manager of a Fox-owned station would make that kind of decision?” Goodmon also complained about promotion spots in programming, highlighting the violent programming Fox advertised during the coverage of the World Series.