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The FCC has begun a series of public hearings on media ownership that cover issues of localism, diversity and ownership caps. This is a revisiting of a controversial issue stalled by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in the Prometheus v. FCC ruling of 2004. More recently it was revealed that FCC studies on local ownership were 'buried' by the previous FCC chair, Michael Powell, when the results contradicted his position.

Los Angeles hosted two meetings October 3rd attended by hundreds of concerned citizens and media professionals. The FCC also has a 'Notice of Public Rulemaking' in process on this issue. Media Alliance has a guide to filing public comments for NPRM Docket 06-121 at their web site (deadline Oct 23).

Though the meetings are public, the FCC has been slow to release the dates and locations of the events via the FCC web site making it difficult for many people to attend. There is a hearing scheduled for New York City: Thursday, October 19, 2006, 6pm at Hunter College, Kaye Playhouse-68th Street and Lexington, NYC.

Additional Links:
FCC page on Media Ownership (FCC)
How to File Comments with the FCC (Media Alliance)

Recorded Webcasts of the Public Hearing on Media Ownership in California.
Part 1, Los Angeles: audio-only
Part 2, El Segundo: audio-only

Press on LA Hearing:
Media Consolidation Panned at FCC Hearing, Multichannel News
Consolidation in Media Is Called Stifling, LA Times
Martin Hears Overwhelming Public Opposition to Big Media, StopBigMedia.com
Fight Brews over Media Ownership Rules, Wall Street Journal
A Call for More Owners, Hollywood Reporter
FCC Takes Comments on Media Ownership, AP