Technology | FCC FCC Chief Won't Delay Media Vote Defiant Martin wants to relax ownership rules in broadcast, print By Jim O'Neill Posted Dec 14, 2007 10:31 AM CST Copied Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin speaks during a hearing on localism, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007, at the FCC headquarters in Washington. (Associated Press) FCC chief Kevin Martin will push ahead with a vote next week to allow media companies to own a broadcasting station and newspaper in the same city, the Wall Street Journal reports. The move comes despite heavy criticism from senators who say he's rushing into a major policy change without enough study. The five-member FCC is expected to approve the measure along party lines. Insiders say there has been little discussion among the FCC members about the change, which Martin proposed last month. Media companies want the rules to be eased more, and consumer groups want them tightened, saying consolidation leads to a reduction of local news and diversity. Read These Next Venezuela responds to the US seizure of an oil tanker. Hours after Michigan fired its football coach, he was in jail. Democratic leaders sit out bid to impeach Trump. Audi Crooks of Iowa State may do what no college player has ever done. Report an error