Here’s a first in the debate over media ownership: The Seattle City Council has passed a resolution, urging the Federal Communications Commission and Congress to “protect content diversity and press
freedom by retaining and strengthening existing media ownership regulations, including regulations that limit the number of stations one owner may hold.” The Council says it’s worried about
consolidation in Seattle and beyond. “Media deregulation has reduced competition, local accountability and the diversity of content,” says Council member Nick Licata, a co-sponsor of the resolution.
An informal FCC hearing on the proposed changes to the media ownership rules was held last Friday in Seattle.