Senate Votes to Block New Media Rules

Washington Post ^ | Sept. 16, 2003 | David Ho

[ru4liberty]

WASHINGTON - The Senate approved a resolution Tuesday to repeal media ownership rules critics say could lead to a wave of mergers and ultimately stifle diversity and local viewpoints in news and entertainment.

Defying a White House veto threat, the Senate voted 55-40 to undo changes to Federal Communications Commission regulations governing ownership of newspapers and television and radio stations. Those rules already have been placed on hold by a federal appeals court.

"We have to ensure that the marketplace of ideas is not dominated by a few conglomerates at the expense of our citizens and our democracy," Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said before the vote.

[thinktwice]

Talk radio has shown itself to be a magnificent forum at local, regional, and national levels.

In a nation dedicated to individual freedom (and freedom of speech), any attempt to control media outlets is wrong -- media outlets that prove themselves to be effective are effective because people make them so.

[Digger]

If Republicans can't rally behind their President on something so clearly in their own interest, they deserve to suffer the bias of Dan Rather and Katie Couric.(Per the WSJ.)

If GW can't get his drones in place then maybe we need another CEO that WILL! Me suspects that it is the old Potomac Shuffle. Probably a veto this go around but a minor change makes it pass.

[RonF]

Seems to me the opinions of elected officials should trump those of unelected administrators.

[cksharks]

Well I hate to tell you and digger but powell just passed what congress mandated he pass. Now they are trying to cover their own ASS.Check it out before you start your usual ramblings.