Press Release: "Repeal the FCC's Newspaper Broadcast Cross-Ownership Rule"

On Wednesday, June 5, 2013, former FCC Chairman Reed Hundt gave a speech at the UCLA Hammer Museum on the subject of media consolidation, particularly as it concerns the purchase of the Los Angeles Times. In his speech, Mr. Hundt called on the FCC to repeal the newspaper broadcast cross-ownership rule that gives The Commission jurisdiction to allow or disallow one entity to own a newspaper and a TV/radio outlet on a case-by-case basis.  Mr. Hundt stated that “under current conditions in the media business the FCC’s rule is perverse.” He is the first FCC Chairman to take this stance on the issue and uses his ample experience and knowledge to explain why.

Mr. Hundt acknowledged that the revocation of this rule means Rupert Murdoch would be able to purchase the LA Times. Although it would not be his personal preference for Murdoch to own the paper, he “cannot see any reason why Fox, or its parent News Corp, or Rupert Murdoch himself should not be allowed to buy the Los Angeles Times, or the Chicago Tribune, or any newspaper, provided that the antitrust laws are followed.”

Mr. Hundt provided five reasons that describe why the rule is defunct and show why the FCC should eliminate it. Ultimately, Mr. Hundt’s primary opposition to the rule stems from the United States First Amendment. If the United States truly believes in free speech, that right should be applied to media and the government should honor the freedom to own the means of speech.  

For a full speech transcript or further press inquiries, please contact Julia Casciotti by calling

(202) 777-7725 or emailing jcasciotti@gmail.com.

For more information about the forum: http://hammer.ucla.edu/programs/detail/program_id/1738