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Changes to media ownership rules
By Associated Press, 6/2/03
The previous rules, adopted between 1941 and 1975, that restricted ownership of newspapers and radio and TV stations and changes the Federal Communications Commission adopted Monday:
National TV Ownership Rule (1941), as amended, prohibited a company from owning TV stations that would reach more than 35 percent of U.S. television households.
The new rule raises the cap to 45 percent.
Radio/TV Cross-Ownership Restriction (1970) limits the number of radio and television stations one company may own in the same market. Newspaper/Broadcast Cross-Ownership prohibition (1975) prohibits a company from owning a full-service radio or television station and a daily newspaper in the same city.
The FCC combined the rules into one and largely ended the ban. The provision lifts all restrictions in markets with nine or more TV stations. Smaller markets would face some limits and cross-ownership would be banned in markets with three or fewer TV stations.
Local Radio Ownership Rule (1941) limits the number of commercial radio stations a company may own, operate or control in a single market, based on how many stations the market has.
The FCC changed how local radio markets are defined to correct a problem that has allowed companies to exceed ownership limits in some areas.
Local TV Multiple Ownership Rule (1964) limits a company to ownership of no more than two TV stations in the same market. It may own only two stations if one is not among the highest four ranked stations in the area and provided the market still has at least eight other independently owned TV stations remaining.
The new rule allows a company to own two stations in a market if the market has five or more TV stations. In the largest cities like New York and Los Angeles where there are 18 or more TV stations, a company can own three stations. When companies own multiple stations only one can be among the top four in the ratings.
Dual Television Network Rule (1946) prohibits a merger between or among the four major TV networks: ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox. The government eased the rule in 2001 by allowing the major networks to combine with newer networks like WB or UPN.
No changes.
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