Up Is Down

FCC Chairman Martin says the best way to ensure that media diversity remains strong is to allow more media consolidation. Pretty Orwellian.

How great it would be for us in the High Country if all of our media outlets were allowed to consolidate under one owner. Martin's new rules would allow that to happen--maybe we could call our new High Country media Borg the Aisjonescharpress?

That would almost be funny, but what Martin wants to do is sanction media monopolies in nearly every market--all in the name of diversity (and PROFITS!)--by allowing one company to own both broadcast and print media outlets. Because to him, media diversity cannot happen unless it is eliminated.

FCC Commissioners Adelstein and Copps have this to say about Mr. Martin's big plans:

The [Martin's] proposal could repeal the [cross-ownership] ban in every market in America, not just the top twenty. Any city, no matter how small, could be subjected to newspaper broadcast ownership combinations under a very loose standard.

Under Chairman Martin’s plan, all markets will be open to one company combining broadcast properties with cable, the newspaper (already a monopoly in most places), even the Internet Service Provider. His proposal could propel a frenzy of competition-stifling mergers across the land.
...
Under the Chairman’s timetable, we count 19 working days for public comment. That is grossly insufficient. The American people should have a minimum of 90 days to comment, just as many Members of Congress have requested. More importantly, the Commission has yet to finish its Localism proceeding, teed up four years ago, or to forward comprehensive ideas to increase women and minority ownership of broadcast outlets.
...
There is still time to do this the right way. Congress and the thousands of American citizens we have talked to want a thoughtful and deliberate rulemaking, not an alarming rush to judgment characterized by insultingly short notices for public hearings, inadequate time for public comment, flawed studies and a tainted peer review process – all designed to make sure that the Chairman can deliver a generous gift to Big Media before the holidays. For the rest of us: a lump of coal.

Full article here.

How about Charjoaipress? Any other ideas?