Press Release

Statement by Secretary Gutierrez on Senate Vote Overturning FCC Rule on Broadcast Media Ownership

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez issued the following statement regarding the Senate’s vote on S.J. Resolution 28, legislation that will overturn the FCC rule on broadcast media ownership.

“I am disappointed with the Senate’s action overturning the FCC rule allowing cross ownership of newspapers and broadcast stations in the nation’s top 20 media markets. The FCC’s approach modernizes a 30-year-old rule in a way that improves the financial viability of the newspaper industry, which faces an increasingly competitive media market.

“Overturning the FCC’s approach will actually discourage a diversity of media voices and will hinder efforts to enhance local content by preventing some ownership arrangements that could provide additional financing to sustain local newspapers.

“The Administration supported this FCC action and strongly opposed any attempt to overturn this rule by legislative means. I will recommend to the President that he veto this bill.”