Harkin Cosponsors Resolution Disapproving of New Media Consolidation Rules

Press Release

Harkin Cosponsors Resolution Disapproving of New Media Consolidation Rules
New FCC rules will limit competition and diversity in local media

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today joined several of his colleagues in cosponsoring the Media Ownership Resolution of Disapproval. The resolution is in response to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issuing new rules to allow cross-ownership of newspapers and broadcast stations in local media markets. If passed, the resolution would overturn the FCC's rule.

"I have long been committed to ensuring that competition, diversity and local content flourish on the airwaves" said Harkin. "I am deeply concerned that these new rules will limit Iowans access to information."

Harkin noted that by hastily implementing the new rules, the FCC went against the will of the Senate and the American people. In early December the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously passed the Media Ownership Act of 2007, which stated that the FCC should delay implementing any new rules until a study about the effects on localism and diversity of station ownership was completed. In addition, the Commission limited public discourse by enacting the new rules only one month after they were proposed, without holding proper hearings and allowing very limited time for public comment, during which an overwhelming number of citizens contacted the Commission opposing the rules.

Harkin is joined in this bipartisan effort by Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), John Kerry (D-MA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Dodd (D-CT), Barack Obama (D-IL), Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Joseph Biden (D-DE), Jack Reed (D-RI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Jon Tester (D-MT).

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