FCC ban on common ownership of newspapers and TV stations in same...

U. of Md., was released Fri. at news conference and panel discussion sponsored by groups (mostly media-related labor unions) lobbying to keep rule in place. Policy Institute said ban was “an important safeguard providing for a diverse media marketplace of ideas essential for a democracy.” Paul Alemida of AFL-CIO said pro-rule coalition now includes “30 national organizations and the list continues to grow.” Edward Fouhy of Pew Center, former news exec. at CBS and ABC, said more “journalists should come down from the press box” and fight for retention of rule. He cited 2 personal instances where executives at CNN and CBS News told their field producers to “spend whatever it takes” to cover wars overseas. Citing current ownership of TV and news networks, he said: “Take my word for it… no one today would say ’spend what it takes.'” FCC Comr. Copps gave opening comments at panel, saying he was there “only to encourage involvement [in FCC proceedings] of those who don’t normally walk the halls of the FCC.” He said his emphasis was reaching out to “nontraditional” parties to Commission proceedings to encourage them to become involved, that he had open mind on whether rule should be retained: “Even if I had reached a judgment… I wouldn’t be able to talk about it.” Copps, who left before panel discussion, told us his appearance before advocacy group was “singularly appropriate,” comparing it with speaking at NAB convention.