June (Web-only) 2003

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The Federal Communications Commission has continued its gradual loosening of television and radio restrictions with new rules on company ownership. In part, the new FCC regulations raise the percentage of national households—from 35 percent to 45 percent—that a broadcast company is allowed to reach. This gives large media conglomerates power to buy even more television and radio stations owned by smaller networks and individuals.

The aim of the changes, the FCC said, is to promote diversity and competitiveness in a business changed by new technologies and media options. Critics of the deregulation, however, say it will do just the opposite; reducing diversity in both ownership and local programming.

In a June interview with UPI, media critic L. Brent Bozell noted that when the FCC last loosened ownership rules, ABC, CBS, and NBC controlled 17 percent of broadcast programming. Now, they control 48 percent. In fact, Bozell said, six companies control nearly two-thirds of all U.S. programming.

Concerns about the loss of local programming and lack of ownership diversity led members of Congress last month to introduce bills to overturn the deregulation. Frank Wright, president and chief operating officer for the National Religious Broadcasters, which represents 1,700 networks, stations, and programs, told CT that many in Washington expect the Senate will vote to set back the latest FCC changes, but the House will not.

Like many supporters of FCC deregulation, Wright says the new rules offer religious broadcasters greater financial and growth options. But Christian broadcasters are unlikely to be as affected as secular companies, he says. This is because Christian stations tend to be small, non-profit operations that are more likely ...