Federal Communications Chairman Defends Choice To Proceed With Media Ownership Reform Vote []
12/14/2007 10:24:09 AM Federal Communications Chairman Kevin Martin defended his choice to proceed with a vote on his controversial plans for media ownership reform on December 18th, despite calls for more time to examine the issue. His agenda included plans to relax the cross-ownership rule for the 20 media markets in the U.S.
The chairman has been under considerable pressure to delay the vote until next year in order to debate the merits of the possible reform. Details of the plan were only released last month.
The FCC Chairman has proposed the elimination of the ban that keeps broadcasters owning a newspaper in the same city, with some conditions.
Last week, many Democratic lawmakers stated they would like to see the proposal delayed until next year. However, Republicans endorsed the reform, giving Martin needed support. In a meeting with lawmakers on Thursday, the chairman defended his agenda to move ahead, remarking that Tuesday's vote would include a series of initiatives designed to promote media ownership among women and minorities.
The chairman refused to delay the vote despite many requests.
Meanwhile, a Senate Commerce Committee unanimously approved a bill that would delay the vote by at least six months and require more study on the issue.
In the Thursday meeting, Martin held firm against pressure to delay the vote. Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) asked it Martin would agree to postpone the vote. The chairman replied, “No.”