Lawmakers Spar Over Media Ownership Rules

Critics of the Federal Communications Commission’s media ownership rules said at a House Energy and Commerce Committee brief hearing last Friday that the regulations needed an update, while Democrats pushed back against any changes, reports The Hill.

The FCC has rules designed to limit media consolidation and keep a range of voices on the air. But critics contend that they are not calibrated for a media environment where television stations are competing with streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.

“Ignoring the need to make media ownership rules more relevant only hurts the industry and public interest,” said Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio), vice chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, in an opening statement. “We need updated laws that better reflect the 21st Century communications landscape.”

Democrats, though, are wary about loosening the rules that govern broadcasters.

“We know nothing we deal with has easy answers but one thing is certain: Relaxing the FCC’s media ownership rules will pave the way for increased industry consolidation, which does, in my view, nothing to promote localism, competition or diversity,” said subcommittee Ranking Member Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.).