Two Stations, Four Stations, Eight Stations More

The FCC is thinking about changing the rules about television station and newspaper ownership, but is it a valid argument at all these days?

Sam Zell would like to close on his purchase of the Tribune Company, but then he would need a variance because the firm owns the largest newspaper in Chicago and one of its larger television stations, in addition to a number of other newspapers and television stations in five major American cities. Chicagoans think of WGN-TV as their local outlet, but thanks to cable television, the station reaches nationwide. WGN Radio is a major outlet, even though they eliminated the noontime farm report program, but the signal reaches far and wide, beyond the borders of Chicago. Rise above the confines of Chicago and look down. The Tribune Company, owned by Sam Zell, would amount to one man deciding what is printed and broadcast in five major American cities.

One man controlling all the news that's fit to print....and watch. One opinion. One side of any issue. The rule governing media empires was put into play for a good reason, but is it true these days?

Does anyone read newspapers anymore? Circulation is down in every major city.

Does anyone watch local news anymore? With the advent of 24/7 news programming on competing outlets, Katie Couric's low ratings are hardly shocking. The ratings for all of the Big Three networks are sinking like unwatched stones.

The mega-media providers grow too fat and powerful, the special interest groups announce. You can read all about it....on the Internet.

A previous attempt to change the ownership regulations failed when the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the FCC had not justified a rule change. And there are plenty of special interests who are adamantly opposed to the suggested changes, including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (who urge you all to contact your cable provider and demand Eternal Word Television).

The public will have their chance to express their opinions, and the media barons will have their say. Is it a good thing for different forms of communication to be consolidated into a single provider? Are there too many outlets these days to make the FCC rule useful? Will Rupert Murdoch eventually take over the media world and turn everything he touches into Fox gold?