House Communications Sets Wednesday Hearing on Media Ownership Diversity
The House Communications Subcommittee plans a Wednesday hearing on legislation aimed at increasing diversity in media ownership. “For too long we have discussed and acknowledged the fact that ownership of this country’s media outlets does not reflect the diversity of…
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America,” said House Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, D-Pa., and House Communications Chairman Mike Doyle, D-Pa., in a statement. The FCC “isn’t doing enough to advance media diversity,” so “Congress must,” the lawmakers said. The panel begins 10:30 a.m. in 2322 Rayburn. Industry lobbyists we spoke with said the Expanding Broadcast Ownership Opportunities Act (HR-3957) could be a focus. The bill, first filed in 2017 (see 1704050014), would establish tax incentives for parties that sell assets to “socially disadvantaged individuals.” It would direct the FCC to make recommendations on ways to improve ownership diversity and develop an "incubator program" for existing licensees to help new entrants. Doyle and others expressed interest in examining other media issues in 2020 (see 1912310001).