FCC (Powell!) to Probe Media Ownership Concentration

[kainah]

By DAVID HO, Associated Press Writer

ASPEN, Colo. - FCC (news - web sites) Chairman Michael Powell says his agency will examine the effects of concentration in media ownership this fall, a nod to critics of the FCC's rollback on restrictions for owning newspapers and TV and radio stations.

Powell's surprise announcement Monday came at an annual gathering of telecommunications executives.

He gave no details about what the Federal Communications Commission (news - web sites) examination will entail, saying they will be provided Wednesday at a news conference in Washington.

"As much as I'm invested in the rules that we did ... I have an obligation as an expert adviser to make sure this is channeled into something constructive," Powell said. "There is a sentiment being expressed by the American public, a concern about the media, a concern about big media."

more.........

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=513&ncid=703&e=9&u=/ap/20030819/ap_on_go_ot/fcc_powell

OK.... What's he up to???

[cap]

1. whitewash...

[pfitz59]

2. Sideshow

Preemptive strike!

[Peachhead22]

3. Yeah right

You've heard the expression " A fox guarding a henhouse". Well this is more like "A fox investigating a henhouse to ensure the locks are adequate".

At most Powell does something cosmetic and Ailes and Murdoch will still get what they want. They just might have to go through a couple mile-wide loopholes to get it.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

4. What's he up to?

Not sure, but I am sure it will involve proctology.

[cosmicdot]

5. he claims he's "an expert"???

huh

[The Backlash Cometh]

6. Hmm...

If he can't change the rules to allow the Murdochs to gain monoplies, then maybe he can slice and dice what conservatives view threateningly as "liberal" media. Would be interesting what they find. I've been looking for the liberal media since 1998.

[NashVegas]

7. Headline Needs Fixing

Shouldn't it read:

FCC to Rubber Stamp Even More Media Ownership Concentration

?

[dusty64]

8. I'm sure his

examination will be "fair and balanced", and I'm the Easter Bunny.

[zekeson]

9. Road to nowhere

"... I have an obligation as an expert adviser to make sure this is channeled into something constructive," Powell said. "There is a sentiment being expressed by the American public, a concern about the media, a concern about big media."

Michael, Michael, Michael - you had an obligation to take the opinions of the public into consideration BEFORE you rammed these rules down our collective throat.

"As much as I am invested in the rules that we did..." Chee-rist, you poor little Napolean, don't you understand, it doesn't matter if your feelings are hurt, you are supposed to serve the public. I know, Murdoch signs your real checks.

This is lip service, nonsense, nothing will come of it. Unless, of course, he can figure a way to expedite the power grab.

[sujan]

10. fox guarding the chickens