House Commerce Committee Chmn. Tauzin (R-La.) and Telecom Subcomm...

House Commerce Committee Chmn. Tauzin (R-La.) and Telecom Subcommittee Chmn. Upton (R-Mich.) urged FCC to repeal broadcast-newspaper cross-ownership rule and “expeditiously complete the rulemaking process” on issue begun in Sept. In June 4 letter to FCC Chmn. Powell, Tauzin and Upton said media markets had changed since 1975 when cross-ownership rules, preventing common ownership of broadcast station and daily newspaper in same market, were adopted. “We believe the explosion of media sources should eliminate any concern regarding a lack of diversity of views in the marketplace and competition, which have been the principles of justifications for the rule,” letter said. Cable, direct broadcast satellite and Internet have opened new media outlets, making repeal of rule “long overdue,” letter said. NAB supports repealing rule, with spokesman saying “it’s a relic of a bygone era.”