The study also found that network owned-and-operated stations -- those belonging to ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox -- aired significantly less local news. (Read the report)
Had this study seen the light of day -- it was buried by the industry-friendly bureaucrats at the FCC -- it would have put to rest then-FCC Chairman Michael Powell's assertion that "commonly owned television stations are more likely to carry local news."
Despite the evidence of its negative effects, the rush to consolidate local stations continues. Since the FCC last voted on this issue in 2003, thousands more local TV and radio stations have been swallowed up by media conglomerates. Even under the existing rules, consolidation grows, localism suffers and diversity is diminished.
The FCC can no longer hide data that overwhelmingly show that local ownership of broadcast outlets means better coverage for the communities these outlets serve.
It's time the FCC lived up to its mandate to serve the public by promoting localism on the airwaves -- and by curbing further media consolidation.
Coalition Resources
>> Prometheus Radio Project
>> Media Access Project
>> Media Alliance
>> Reclaim the Media
>> Association for Community Networking
The marriage of Comcast and NBC is bad news for consumers. But Washington and Wall Street have already bought into the idea that it's a done deal. That's why Americans need to speak out now and stop the mega-merger!
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