The House wasn't the only chamber doing solid work in Washington yesterday. In an unusual legislative maneuver, the Senate passed a "resolution of disapproval" that would invalidate the Federal Communications Commission's decision to allow TV and radio stations and newspapers to be co-owned in the top 20 markets, subject to some conditions.
Sen Byron Dorgan (D-ND), author of the bill, said the FCC action in December to loosen cross-ownership limits opened a "gaping loophole for more mergers of newspapers and television stations across the country."
Barack Obama, one of the bill's co-sponsors, urged his colleagues in the House to pass the same resolution and issued this encouraging statement on the need for comprehensive media reform:
Today the Senate stood up to Washington special interests by voting to reverse the FCC's disappointing media consolidation rules that I have fought against," he said. "Our nation's media market must reflect the diverse voices of our population, and it is essential that the FCC promotes the public interest and diversity in ownership.
(h/t OpenLeft)
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