FCC delays vote on cross-ownership

For some time, Speed Matters has been reporting on efforts of community, civil rights and labor groups to halt the FCC's move to allow greater media cross-ownership.

Speed Matters is concerned that media consolidation reduces jobs and quality journalism. In addition, media consolidation would reduce the already abysmal rate of minority ownership. For instance, according to the latest figures, African Americans own just .4 percent of US full-power TV stations, despite being 13 percent of the population.

The campaign appears to be working. Recently FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said "he supports putting the media ownership rule on hold briefly to complete an impact study suggested by the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council."

FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel issued a statement of support:

"The issues raised in the media ownership proceeding, including the promotion of journalism and viewpoint diversity, are essential to democratic discourse. The Commission benefits from acting carefully and considering all relevant materials. I look forward to reviewing the results of the study."

The commission has yet to formally vote the delay, but the National Association of Broadcasters has signaled it won't contest the stay calling it "a sensible approach."

Community, civil rights, labor: Keep media ownership protections (Speed Matters, Jan. 2, 2013)

Genachowski Backs Delay in Ownership Vote (Broadcasting & Cable, Feb. 26, 2013)