• Text

FCC Chief Unveils Content Initiative

Move to Boost Programs in Local Markets Isn't Seen Quelling the Ownership Debate

WASHINGTON -- Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell announced steps intended to increase the amount of localized television and radio programming, but the move appears unlikely to quell the feud over his agency's moves to loosen media-ownership rules.

A party-line vote in June by the Republican-dominated FCC to increase the number of newspapers and TV and radio stations that can be owned by a single company sparked a backlash, prompting efforts in Congress to restore the previous, more restrictive rules.