The introduction of a resolution by Democrat senator Byron Dorgan from North Dakota, is aimed at a decision by the FCC to relax media ownership in the 20 largest cities in America.
Dorgan alleges that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wasn't aggressive enough in soliciting comments from the general public before giving approval for the new rules.
The rule he's talking about allows media companies which own a broadcast station and a newspaper in a single market to operate together. It was implemented by the majority in the FCC to help newspaper companies that are struggling to spread costs across multiple platforms.
Dorgan said: "When nearly half of the people in this country are told that in their cities and towns the media will get the green light to consolidate, they will not be happy."
The reality in the situation is it's no longer relevant, and very few people care at all. Every single survey done shows people are continuing to migrate to the Internet to get their news and information, and are leaving traditional media outlets in droves.
To attempt to make this an issue is naive at minimum. This Senator needs to look at really important issues rather than attempt to find something to get his name in the media.
So in response to Dorgan's concerns about public comment, here's mine: stop wasting the taxpayers time, and study the new media world. People are increasingly going to the Internet for the news, and broadcast news viewership is slipping, along with readers of newspapers. This is a non-issue and not worth the time of day.
Get with it Senator. You're way behind the times.
Comment Preview