The US House Of Representatives has voted by an overwhelming majority to overturn a proposal by the Federal Communuications Commission (FCC) to relax media ownership rules.
Last month the Republican-dominated FCC voted 3-2 to raise the ownership cap for national broadcasters from 35% to 45% of homes (see
FCC Relaxes US Media Ownership Rules As Expected). However this led to a nationwide backlash as rival politicians and consumer groups voiced opposition.
There are widespread fears that a loosening of ownership regulations will play into the hands of media powerhouses such as Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp and disadvantage local broadcasters.
The House voted 400-21 against the proposed change, dealing a major blow to FCC chairman Michael Powell’s plans to liberalise the media. He had already allowed News Corp and Viacom to acquire TV assets which mean that they now own TV stations available in excess of 35% of US homes.
President George Bush had threatened to veto any attempt by Congress to overturn the FCC’s decision but may now back down in the face of such determined resistance.
