Media Ownership
25 May, 2003
ECFS - E-mail Filing02-277 05/23/2003 Dear FCC, RE: Media Ownership Policy Reexamination I live in Berthoud, Colorado, which is a small town between Boulder and Fort Collins. I strongly oppose loosening ownership restrictions, for the following reasons: (1) Unlike other industries, the broadcast industry can never be an "open market", because the bandwidth, which belongs to the people by law, is finate and limited. (2) Since the available bandwidth is limited, this market will always remain a regulated monopoly, with the FCC's primary mission to manage these regulations in the interest of all people. (3) My experience with the prior relaxation of radio ownership standards has resulted in less diversity of broadcast choice in Northern Colorado, and less responsiveness from local broadcasters in serving the public interest. All of my prior favorite stations, notably KTCL, Ft. Collins, and KBCO, Boulder have been purchased by the same corporate owner (Clear Channel/Jacor). Now these stations serve the same more profitable market segment to which I do not belong. It is so bad here, that I seldom listen to the radio at all. Clear Channel has already shown that it will use it's broadcasting clout to extort unfair ticketing and performance contract terms from other parties. (4) As a result of the FCC's failure to properly regulate the radio industry, the public is not being served in Northern Colorado. There was once a time when stations solicited public opinion, and tried to serve the public good, because their license renewal depended upon it. Here in Northern Colorado, the media does not even pretend to be interested in serving the public good, but only in pursuing higher profits. (5) The broadcast media is entitled to make a profit, but since they earn their profit in a regulated monopoly, the FCC must ensure the they must serv the public with the public-owned bandwidth that they are licenced to use. In my experience, when a few people or corporations own most of the stations, they only serve their own interest. If these same companies are then allowed to own newspapers as well, the situation will only get worse. Sincerely, 
FCC FILINGS
In the Matter of 2002 Biennial Regulatory Review - Review of the Commission's Broadcast Ownership Rules and Other Rules Adopted Pursuant to Section 202 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (MB Docket No. 02-277)/Cross-Ownership of Broadcast Stations and Newspapers (MM Docket No. 01-235)/Rules and Policies Concerning Multiple Ownership of Radio Broadcast Stations in Local Markets (MM Docket No. 01-317)/Definition of Radio Markets (MM Docket No. 00-244). Reply Comments - Hodson Broadcasting.
In the Matter of Facilitating the Provision of Spectrum-Based Services to Rural Areas and Promoting Opportunities for Rural Telephone Companies To Provide Spectrum-Based Services (WT Docket No. 02-381). Comments - City of Viburnum.
On June 2, 2003, the FCC did vote to loosen the regulations on media ownership. This new ruling allows owners of radio and television stations to purchase newspapers as well.
Congress, including my own Senator, Wayne Allard, has passed legislation to reverse this decision, but it has not yet become law.
Please write to President Bush, and urge him to sign the new legislation. president@whitehouse.gov
For more information, visit the Free The Music Web Site
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