Copps Statement On Court of Appeals Media Ownership Decision
NEWS
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order
constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
July 7, 2011
Joshua Cinelli at (202) 418-2000
STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS
ON THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT'S
DECISION ON MEDIA OWNERSHIP
"This decision is a huge victory for the millions of Americans who have gone on recorddemanding a richer and more diverse media. The Third Circuit has brought into clear focus the
shortfalls of two previous FCCs on media ownership and their lackluster performances in
encouraging more minority and female ownership of our broadcast outlets.
"I am pleased that the 2008 newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership rule, which would
have opened the door to more consolidation and less news, has now been returned to the
Commission. The rule and the process that brought it forth were highly inimical to media
democracy.
"It is clear from this decision that those previous Commissions abdicated their
responsibility to consider diversity of ownership and diversity of viewpoint when they wrote
their flawed rules. The Third Circuit underlines the need for better process and analysis in the
forthcoming but overdue 2010 Quadrennial Review. I only hope that Report will be based upon
the kind of specific, accurate, hard data the Court is looking for and that it will be inspired by an
awakened appreciation of the need for the FCC to get serious--after all these years--about
diversity and justice for America's minorities and women. That's why I have been pushing so
hard for the completion of in-depth studies that are needed to better inform our decisions and to
help new diversity rules survive any court challenges they may face.
"A special tip of the hat is due to the consumer, advocacy and public interest groups that
worked so diligently and well to guide their case through the court process. Their work is never
done, but this brings one chapter to a significant conclusion."
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