Broadcasters’ coverage of local public affairs and hometown programming is a
major point in the debate over whether viewers have been hurt or helped by
consolidation of media ownership in the past decade. The FCC has been holding
a series of hearings around the country on localism, and most of the attendees
who speak at the events declare it has been harmful.
FCC Democrats Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein say Chairman Kevin Martin’s
scheduling of the meeting a mere five days in advance “doesn’t bode well.”
They said they agreed to clear their calendars for a Oct. 31 hearing
more than two weeks ago. “But neither we nor the public received any
confirmation that the hearing would occur until tonight — just five business
days before the event. This is unacceptable and unfair to the public. And it
makes putting together an expert panel nearly impossible.”
Martin has embarked on a plan to lift more FCC broadcast ownership
restrictions by the end of the year, and the Democrats oppose that effort. “Is
the commission serious about allowing the public to participate in the
agency’s decision-making?” they asked. “Or is the goal to be able to claim
that hearings have been held, even if the public has not had a chance to fully
participate?” — Bill McConnell
See
the FCC's hearing notice (PDF)
See
the FCC Democrats' statement (PDF)
See
activist group FreePress' reaction
See
earlier story from TheDeal.com
See
related story from TheDeal.com
