*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 60075.doc* LOS ANGELES AND EL SEGUNDO MEDIA OWNERSHIP FIELD HEARINGS STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. MCDOWELL I am pleased to be here in Los Angeles and El Segundo as we embark on the Commission’s next comprehensive review of the broadcast ownership rules. This is my first foray into reviewing the rules. I am studying the issues with an open mind and I hope to hear as many viewpoints on the issues as I can. As the Commission’s experience with the 2002 review revealed, the debate over broadcast ownership is a debate about the vitality of our democracy and the appropriate balance among competitive efficiencies, diversity of voices and local focus. The debate elicits the opinions and passions of people from all walks of life from all over the country. I am eager to learn more about the issues from the perspectives of all of the interested parties – artists, programmers, broadcasters, consumers, academics and many others. In particular I look forward to learning about competition, diversity and localism in the Los Angeles media market from all of you, who have first- hand knowledge of the realities of broadcasting in this hub for the creative community. We need the information that only you can provide about how our ownership rules affect you as businesspeople and as viewers and listeners so that we can determine whether the times demand that those rules change. The more specific information and data you can provide to the Commission, the better. I am very eager to hear all points of view. Thank you. 1