The Federal Communications Commission's recent decision to loosen restrictions on media conglomeration has met a plethora of resistance from Capitol Hill. In response to the new rules a bipartisan group of senators, led by U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., and U.S. Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., hope to nullify the FCC's judgement in a U.S. Senate vote today.
Under the FCC's new laws, large corporations would be able to own a larger share of the media, allowing companies to own 45 percent of the national television audience, up from 35 percent, according to Jack Mitchell, professor of journalism at UW-Madison.
There are currently fewer than 10 corporations that control the bulk of the media, and Mitchell said he is concerned the media is controlled by a small number of companies.
\[The FCC] is limiting the number of voices that are controlling the media ... in local communities it's particularly serious, where more TV stations could come under the same ownership as the local newspaper,"" he said.
While the Senate's decision will affect media in the major markets, the impact on a local level, according to Larry Meiller, professor of agricultural journalism at UW-Madison, will not be as massive. However, Meiller said the conglomeration of the media produces detrimental consequences.
""The fewer companies that are in control of the media, the more homogenized the programming becomes and the less benefit accrues to the public,"" Meiller said.
A lack of diversity in the media also worries Norman Stockwell, operations coordinator for WORT-FM in Madison.
He said negative results derive from commercial radio stations consolidating. Stockwell said he hopes to see a broader spectrum in radio.
""When you have a decrease in ownership you automatically decrease diversity because you have fewer people, fewer thoughts,"" he said.
Citing strong public support for the veto, Feingold called on Congress to pass legislation overturning the FCC decision.
Feingold attacked the FCC's decision, claiming the uniformity of media has not benefited taxpayers, but has played to the advantage of big business.
""...Giant media conglomerates that already dominate the airwaves will expand their reach and further stifle localism and diversity. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress can wipe out these new rules altogether,"" he said in July after the FCC approved the new rules.
