Report No. MM 95-57MASS MEDIA ACTION                     July 19, 1995
     
     FCC GRANTS REQUEST OF CITICASTERS CO. FOR WAIVER 
     OF THE ONE-TO-A-MARKET R      ULE FOR 
     WTBT(FM), NEW PORT RICHE       Y, FL
                            
              The FCC granted the request of Citicasters Co. for waiver of the one-to-a-
     market rule for station WTBT(FM) in New Port Richey, FL.  
     
              Citicasters Co. is also the licensee of CBS - affiliated VHF television station
     WTSP-TV, St. Petersburg, FL and FM station WXTB(FM), Clearwater, FL. 
     Because the Grade A contour of WTSP-TV encompasses all of New Port Richey,
     grant of the subject application requires waiver of the Commission's one-to-a-market
     rule.  While Citicasters Co.'s request meets the "top 25 market/30 voice standard" for
     waiver, it nevertheless must be reviewed under the Commission's five-part case-by-
     case standard because the proposed assignment of license also requires a showing
     under the local radio ownership rules.
     
              Citicasters Co. contended that its acquisition of WTBT(FM) would create
     savings in addition to those already generated by its combined operation of its existing
     television/FM radio stations.  These savings would result from consolidation of staff,
     management, and administration functions and from consolidation of studio and
     technical facilities.  Citicasters Co. estimated that joint operation of the stations will
     generate savings of $607,000 annually, and that the combined operation of the stations
     will result in significant public service benefits.    
     
              Citicasters Co.'s showing demonstrates that a waiver in this instance is
     consistent with the public interest and would not have an appreciable adverse effect on
     diversity and competition in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater market.
     
              Action by the Commission July 13, 1995 by MO&O (FCC 95-288).  Chairman
     Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Barrett, Ness and Chong.
     
          - FCC -
                                        
     News Media contact: Kara Palamaras at (202) 418-0500.
     Mass Media Bureau contact: Dave Blank at (202) 418-2670.