Are FCC rules on media ownership still necessary in today’s world?
In 2003, the Federal Communications Commission relaxed its rules on ownership of media outlets. A storm of protest followed. That year Congress received more mail and phone calls on this issue than on any other—except the war in Iraq. Most of the response came from those who opposed the FCC rule changes. The opposition brought together groups—liberal and conservative—who normally opposed one another. They argued that the rule changes would result in fewer companies owning more media outlets. They viewed increased concentration of media ownership as a threat to democracy. They argued that for democracy to flourish a great diversity of voices needs to be heard. Congress responded by moving to overturn the new rules. In a compromise with the White House, Congress agreed to just slight changes in the rules. The opposition had stopped the new rules. Those supporting the new rules included big media companies and groups opposed to government regulation. They viewed the FCC rules as modest ch