Copps Blasts Media Review at FCC

[Dave Farber <dave () farber net>]

------ Forwarded Message
From: Dewayne Hendricks <dewayne () warpspeed com>


    Copps Blasts Media Review at FCC

The Federal Communications Commission's Michael Copps told the
University of Southern California Media Consolidation Forum
Monday he hasn't been given a look at new media ownership
rules that will be voted on in five weeks.

The FCC commissioner, one of two Democrats on the five-member
commission, said that with 34 days before the scheduled June 2
vote, "we don't know what we will be voting on. We don't have
the details, or even the broad configuration, of what the new
system will be."

Copps also voiced displeasure with how the process is
unfolding at the Portals. "In just over a month, the FCC will
have voted on this, changed the rules, reconfigured the media
landscape, and told the world that, 'sorry there's no
opportunity or time for public comment on what has been
decided.'"

In addition, Copps said that when a formal proposal is put
before the commission, it will be "eyes only" and not
permitted to circulate outside the commission for comment.

Copps called for additional analysis and at least a brief
period for public comment on the new rules before they are
implemented. He said, "Before the genie is let out of the
bottle, we'd better understand the consequences, because
there's no putting the genie back after we vote."

Also on Monday, FCC Chairman Michael Powell, who is pushing
the June 2 vote, said it's "difficult to maintain the rule in
its current form." The rules regulate TV and radio station
ownership, among other matters in the media business, and were
sent to the FCC for an overhaul by the D.C. Appeals Court.

Source:  SkyREPORT 04/29/2003

Archives at: <http://Wireless.Com/Dewayne-Net>
Weblog at: <http://weblog.warpspeed.com>


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