FCC plans formal hearing on license transfer for WUMX(FM) Charlot...
FCC plans formal hearing on license transfer for WUMX(FM) Charlottesville, Va., to Clear Channel from Air Virginia, saying proposed deal raised competitive concerns. Sale would reduce number of effective competitors in market to 2 stations with 94.2% market share,…
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from 3, FCC said, and there was no adequate finding of public interest benefit. Commission said case was first of its kind to be designated for hearing for competition reasons since 1969. FCC Chmn. Powell, in statement, said case presented “difficult policy issues” arising from industry consolidation. He said Commission policy of “flagging” some transfer applications “too often led to inconsistent decision-making and delays.” FCC analysis can’t be limited to antitrust, Powell said: “Our ultimate obligation is to consider the potential benefits and harms of the transactions on the listening public.” Commission cited public interest benefits in approving 4 other transactions, but Comr. Copps said he would have designated 3 of them for hearing as well: “These transactions, taken together with the dozens of transactions approved by the Bureau last year, result in the Commission’s adoption of an unacceptable standard for concentration in local radio markets.”