‘We must reevaluate the FCC’s media regulations in the context of...
“We must reevaluate the FCC’s media regulations in the context of the current marketplace,” Comr. Martin said Tues. at Media Institute lunch. “Today, we have an astounding array of options,” he said, “hundreds of television channels, thousands of radio…
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stations,” along with various other media into homes. Going back to Federal Radio Commission in 1928, he said many of current regulations were adopted under assumption of a shortage of frequencies. But, Martin said, “while available spectrum [for broadcasting and other services] has grown… that assumption” of spectrum shortage still results in content regulation, licensing rules and ownership restrictions: “I think it is imperative for us to reevaluate the whole landscape [of regulation] to make sure we're taking into account the increasing number of [information] sources that are available today.” In answer to question, Martin said FCC rules should be based on competition, not structural issues. Commission, he said, has “obligation” to make sure its licensees have a stable regulatory environment. Martin didn’t specify any particular rule or regulation he thought should be repealed.