HARRISBURG MEDIA OWNERSHIP FIELD HEARING
STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. MCDOWELL
I am pleased to be here in Harrisburg as we continue building a record of 
evidence for the Commission’s comprehensive review of the broadcast ownership 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 Harrisburg market from all of you.  We need the first-hand knowledge 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.  To our panelists and audience members -- thank you for being here today and 
for participating in our hearing.  We value your input.