The longstanding ban on newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership, which prevents one company from owning a broadcast station and the major daily newspaper in a single market, has been on the books for decades – and for good reason.

The rule works to create a level playing field, to promote media ownership by women and minorities, and to ensure that community needs for local news and information are met. Ownership rules serve as a vital safeguard of the public’s right to know.

But the cartel of corporate giants who control most of what we read, watch and hear every day are determined to get rid of the cross-ownership rule so they can swallow up even more of our local media outlets.

In December 2007, the FCC -- despite overwhelming public opposition -- voted to eliminate the cross-ownership rule. If enacted, the proposed rule change would reduce quality journalism, push women and minority owners out of the marketplace, and translate into less coverage of local affairs.

• Learn more in Devil in the Details, the report that exposes 10 key facts that FCC Chairman Kevin Martin doesn't want you to know about his new media ownership rules.
  
• Read other critical reports that explain how the FCC has abandoned its mandate to ensure media diversity.

Free Press and other public interest groups are working with congressional allies and mobilizing the public to stop Big Media and the FCC and preserve the cross-ownership rule. Keeping the rule is essential if our media are to reflect our country’s diversity and provide the range of news and opinion Americans need to hold our leaders accountable.

In Congress

In response to the FCC’s efforts to dismantle ownership limits, Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) introduced a "resolution of disapproval" to nullify the FCC rule changes. In a historic vote, the resolution passed the Senate by a landslide on May 15, 2008. The Senate vote was a resounding victory for the public interest and for the vast majority of Americans who oppose media consolidation.

At the FCC

Click here to read docket materials filed by Free Press and allied organizations on media ownership and the cross-ownership issue.