sos_usa

FCC Chief Wants To Boost Media Diversity

although it's hard to argue with this:

Powell said he wants his fellow commissioners to support an inquiry into what rules can promote localism among television and radio stations and how the agency can push broadcasters to be responsive to communities.

The FCC also would form a task force on local issues under Powell's plan that would hold public hearings, another olive branch to critics such as FCC Commissioner Michael Copps, who argued strenuously for public hearings during the debate on media ownership.

Additionally, Powell wants to accelerate the licensing to get more low-power FM radio stations on the air. Low-power FM was launched a few years ago to provide non-commercial programming to audiences in a radius of 3.5 miles.