The general consensus is that newspapers are dying. Kevin J. Martin has one solution: Let them own TV and radio stations in their hometowns.

After decades of strict regulations, the Federal Communications Commission is attempting to amend some of its core policies, causing some big media owners to begin licking their chops.

Last month, Martin, the FCC chairman, proposed a plan that would erase the commission’s time-tested media cross-ownership rules, most notably the clause that forbids ownership of a newspaper and television company in the same market.

The changes are arriving at a crucial time, according to the FCC, which has been reminding its critics that the original laws were put in place back when broadcast news was in its infancy.

However, Martin and the FCC are receiving stark criticism from both ends of the spectrum. Even some newspapers, owned by major media conglomerates, are unhappy with the proposed changes – they are seeking the elimination of all regulations. The companies say the changes are necessary in order to keep the industry afloat following recent hardships that have stemmed from a migration of advertisers to the Web and decreases in circulation.

Another sect of leading opponents is adamantly against cross-ownership in the media. They fear that a large-scale media buyout of local newspaper and television companies will taint local media coverage and create a conflict of interest that will get in the way of unbiased reporting.

Among those who stand to greatly benefit from the change are Chicago investor Steve Zell and media mogul Rupert Murdoch – the pair is certainly not complaining.

The alterations to the cross-ownership laws will assist Zell in his bid for a complete buyout of the Tribune Company – which owns The Chicago Tribune, The Los Angeles Times and an array of broadcast stations in other markets. Murdoch would be able to increase his media control of the Tri-State region as his company owns both The New York Post and Fox Television, according to The New York Times.

All of the interested parties are anticipating the final vote on the FCC’s regulations. While an official vote has not been called for, Martin said he is ‘optimistic’ that a vote will take place Dec. 18, according to The Associated Press.

Media experts from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, along with employees of The Post-Standard and the president of a company that lobbies for the FCC on behalf of media companies, weighed in on the issue.

Question: Should the FCC relax standards so that media companies are able to own both a television station and newspaper company in the same area?

‘It seems like the right time to relax standards. People get news from multiple sources now, and the fear of dominance that brought these rules into effect in the first place is becoming less relevant.’

Michael ConnorExecutive editor at The Post-Standard

‘In general, I am always nervous when I see the marketplace allowing a few big owners to have extensive properties – the little guys are getting squeezed out…and independent voices are being shut out.’

Randy WennerProfessor and director of broadcast journalism facilities

‘I’m worried about how intertwined the owners and reports become – if the news becomes biased, then there’s a problem.’

Alexander McKelvieAssistant professor of entrepreneurship

‘Absolutely not; local stations should do local news. … Big media are destroying broadcast journalism as we know it.’

John Stephen NicholsonProfessor of broadcast journalism

‘The future is clearly not dominated by newspapers, although they have the most comprehensive news gathering sources. …The way media is changing, we should relax the rules and take advantage of each other’s strengths.’

Frederic J. PierceReporter at The Post-Standard

‘It’s a lousy idea and a danger to democracy and free press – it stinks!’

Charlotte GrimesKnight Chair in political reporting

‘The consequences need to be thought of carefully because it can result in the restriction of the public point of view.’

Joan DeppaAssociate professor of newspaper

‘I think on the pro, it is a good way to help newspapers have another outlet. Negatively, it is increasing control on the number of voices in the community. … I could argue either side.’

Jerry UdwinPresident of Udwin Group, a company that represents various communications companies in FCC Policy Making

‘I’m opposed. It will decrease independent news voices in the community. The FCC has no business worrying about the health of newspapers, the FCC should be regulating that every radio and TV station provide local news and public affairs.’

David RubinDean of the Newhouse school

Published on November 27, 2007 at 12:00 pm