FCC Seeking Comments on Media Ownership Rules, Diversity Proposals

   By Stephen Nakrosis 
 

The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday said it would begin to seek comments on rules governing local ownership of radio and television stations as well as a rule prohibiting a merger between the four largest broadcast networks in the U.S.

As part of the 2018 Quadrennial Review of their broadcast ownership rules, the FCC will also "seek comment on three proposals relevant to promoting diversity in the broadcast industry," the agency said.

The FCC said it would seek comment on the Dual Network rule, which prohibits mergers between the ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox broadcast networks. Comments are also being solicited regarding the Local Radio Ownership Rule and the Local Television Ownership Rule, which limit the number of broadcast radio and television stations that can be commonly owned in a local media market.

The FCC said "the Commission seeks comment on whether these three rules continue to serve the public interest or whether they should be modified or eliminated in light of changes to the media marketplace."

News Corp, the owner of Dow Jones, shares common ownership with Fox.

Write to Stephen Nakrosis at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 12, 2018 13:31 ET (18:31 GMT)

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