Feminists Cheer as Court Temporarily Blocks Media Ownership Rules

September 5, 2003

by NOW Staff

A federal appeals court on Sept. 3 temporarily blocked the Federal Communications Commission from imposing new rules that would dramatically loosen restrictions on media consolidation. The decision came one day before the new media ownership rules—that one dissenting FCC Commissioner called "the most sweeping and destructive rollback of consumer protection rules in the history of American broadcasting"—were scheduled to take effect.

The National Organization for Women (NOW) and a broad coalition of groups have strongly opposed the rules, which would allow a single corporation to own, in one city, up to three TV stations, one newspaper, eight radio stations, the cable TV system and numerous cable stations. Also, a national TV network may now acquire enough local stations to control 45 percent of the national TV audience, and up to 90 percent with the UHF "discount."

NOW leaders—who have long advocated for media diversity, recognizing its importance to disseminating feminist viewpoints—said they were pleased by the court's decision.

"This is a setback for the corporate giants that care first and foremost about their own revenues and profit, but it's too soon to celebrate," said NOW Membership Vice President Terry O'Neill, who testified in May at the final FCC meeting on the proposed de-regulation. "We all must continue to speak out against the media merger free-for-all that is threatening to rob us all of the independent voices, views and ideas that nourish a pluralistic, democratic society."

Senate leaders will reportedly bring a "resolution of disapproval" overturning the rules to the floor Monday morning, and the Senate will vote on it soon as Tuesday, according to Congress Daily.

For more information:
NOW's Work with the Federal Communications Commission