Supreme Court leaves FCC media ownership rules in place

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider challenges to FCC rules that limit ownership of broadcast outlets and newspapers in local markets.

On June 30th, Federal Communications Commission chairman Julius Genachowski’s five-year term will expire, which has led to speculation that Genachowski might soon announce his departure. Although the FCC chair is not a cabinet-level position, D.C. chatter is already flying fast and furious about Genachowski’s replacement, because the FCC holds broad regulatory power over the most important media, communications, and technology companies in the United States. There is particular focus on Genachowski’s future in part because his term at the FCC has been so contentious.

On June 30th, Federal Communications Commission chairman Julius Genachowski’s five-year term will expire, which has led to speculation that Genachowski might soon announce his departure. Although the FCC chair is not a cabinet-level position, D.C. chatter is already flying fast and furious about Genachowski’s replacement, because the FCC holds broad regulatory power over the most important media, communications, and technology companies in the United States. There is particular focus on Genachowski’s future in part because his term at the FCC has been so contentious.

The FCC is moving ahead with a new proposal to modestly change media ownership rules, loosening the ban on owning a TV station and a newspaper in any of the top 20 markets.

Unlike previous attempts to ease rules against media firms owning newspapers and TV or radio stations in the same market, the latest proposal faces little opposition.WASHINGTON — Federal regulators are poised to ease ownership restrictions on major-market media outlets in what could be a boost to some big players in the struggling newspaper industry.

[AP] - A federal appeals court in Philadelphia has tossed out government rules allowing media companies to own a newspaper and a broadcast television station in the same market.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal appeals court in Philadelphia has tossed out government rules allowing media companies to own a newspaper and a broadcast television station in the same market....