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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Senators put FCC on notice

By Jim Puzzanghera
Los Angeles Times

WASHINGTON — A Senate committee unanimously approved bipartisan legislation that would halt for at least six months a proposal to let companies own a newspaper and broadcast station in the same city.

The bill is highly unlikely to pass Congress before the Federal Communications Commission's planned Dec. 18 vote to loosen the media ownership rules. But it was a message from senators to FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin that he should delay the vote.

Martin, a Republican, is expected to face sharp questioning today about his proposal during an appearance before a House oversight subcommittee.

Lawmakers from both parties have complained that Martin is circumventing proper procedure in trying to allow companies to own a newspaper and broadcast station in the 20 largest U.S. markets. They want time for more public comment on the proposal, which was announced by Martin on Nov. 13.

They also want the FCC first to complete a previously promised review of ways to ensure that broadcasters serve their local communities and take steps to increase ownership of TV and radio stations by women and minorities.