On June 2, 2003, the Federal Communications Commission voted on several proposals to reduce limits set on media ownership1. If passed, these proposed changes would reverse a nearly 30-year-old ban on newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership. The law, which was passed in 1975, prohibited a company that owned a newspaper in a local community from owning a radio or television station within the same market2. Although it seems like a very cut and dry topic, it has actually brought up a great deal of controversy between those with altering points of view on the subject. Some say that relieving the ban is an obviously necessary action, while others fear a "consolidation of power between the newspaper and broadcast industries1." .
In 1975, a 30-something republican named Richard Wiley held the prestigious position of the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission3. At this time, there were very few television stations and radio outlets than we have in present-day America. In order to calm fears that newspaper companies would overtake the "still-fledging" television broadcasting industry, Wiley and his board of commissioners helped pass the aforementioned law prohibiting newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership. The combinations already established could remain intact, but new cross-ownerships were prohibited2. .
As time passed, many areas of media underwent major changes, and television and radio markets grew rapidly. The number of standard television stations has increased by 50 percent, and we now have 70 percent more radio stations than in 1975. Also playing major roles in the media today are satellite television services and, arguably the most influential aspect of modern day media, the Internet. In order to adapt to these changes, Congress and the Federal Communications Commission worked together to relieve or modify many of the limitations set on media owners. However, until now, the newspaper/broadcast law remained as written2.
