FCC extending deadline for public say on studies
Org also to provide ownership studies data, authors discussion
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In making their plea to the FCC in late October, the Writers Guild of America, the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists and the Assn. of Independent Video & Filmmakers said the initial Dec. 2 deadline did not provide sufficient time to ensure an "honest debate."
FCC media bureau chief Ken Ferree said he was willing to extend the deadline to late December -- but not to March, as the guilds asked.
Consumer advocate Jeffrey Chester said FCC chair Michael Powell "is acting more like a "Grinch than Santa Claus" in granting only a 30-day extension.
He added the FCC is making a mockery of what should be an informed debate.
Ferree said that wasn't the case.
"In sum, the FCC is committed to achieving its longstanding goals of diversity, competition and localism in the media and has taken significant steps to ensure the public has a full and fair opportunity to participate in this proceeding," Ferree said in a statement.
The ownership studies were released in early October, forming the foundation of the agency's review of key ownership regs.
In addition to granting a 30-day extension, the FCC has agreed to provide the underlying data of the 12 ownership studies and make authors of the various studies available for discussion.
Rules up for grabs include a national cap prohibiting a broadcaster from reaching more than 35% of the national aud, and a cross-ownership ban on owning a newspaper and a TV station in the same major market.
Critics have complained the studies are skewed, and that for all intents and purposes, the FCC has already decided to ease many of the rules.
