FCC Relaxes Media Ownership Rules

The Federal Communications Commission overturned a 32-year ban Tuesday that prevented media companies from owning newspapers and broadcast outlets in the same markets.

Amid intense public outry, the measure was pushed through by FCC Chairman Kevin Martin with support from two fellow Republicans on the commission. Two Democrats opposed the measure.

Put in place by the FCC in 1975, the so-called cross-ownership ban is designed to promote a diversity of viewpoints on the airwaves in U.S. communities, as well as economic competition. Its opponents say the ban is outdated now that there has been a proliferation of new media outlets in recent years, and it's an onerous burden for the media industry. ...