Lawmakers tell FCC to preserve local media ownership rules

{mosads}

“Unfortunately, the Internet, while a critical and innovative platform, has not substantially increased competition in, or diversity of, original, local news reporting.”

The Federal Communications Commission often weighs the impact of media mergers on a local level when determining if such deals are in the public interest. The merger between NBC Universal and Comcast came with several conditions attached aimed at increasing the amount of local TV news coverage.

“These outlets are still a very important part of people’s lives in my district and around the country. Traditional media continues to be the primary source of original news reporting, and I believe strong rules are needed today to support the work of local newsroom staffs,” Doyle said.

The Commission is currently working on its quadrennial review of media ownership rules. In 2008 the Republican-led Commission relaxed its rule banning common ownership of a newspaper and broadcast outlet in the same market.