Martin Defiant on Media Consolidation Vote

Source: "Defiant FCC chief refuses to delay vote"
Jim Puzzanghera, The Los Angeles Times, December 14, 2007.

"Facing growing criticism of his agenda and tactics, a defiant Kevin J. Martin, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, refused senators' requests Thursday to delay a vote next week on his plan to loosen restrictions on owning a newspaper and broadcast station in the same city.

"Martin endured three hours of aggressive questioning from the Senate Commerce Committee, with members accusing him of rushing to help big media companies at the public's expense."

"Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission Kevin J. Martin endured three hours of aggressive questioning from the Senate Commerce Committee, with lawmakers accusing him of rushing to help big media companies at the expense of the public."

Comment: Martin should delay the vote, allowing time for all stakeholders to comment. Rushing the vote helps some interested parties (e.g. the big media firms) by denying the opposition that needs more time to mobilize (e.g. consumer groups) the chance to comment effectively.

The proposal should be defeated. We don't need to give big media firms even more control over the media. JAD