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WASHINGTON, DC 20510
November 2, 2009
The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12
th
Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004
Dear Mr. Chairman:
We understand that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will once again review
media ownership rules in the near future. As the FCC considers changes to these rules, we want
to work with you to ensure that a concentration ofmedia ownership does not lead to diminished
diversity ofcontent.
Our most immediate concern is with the number ofcities hosting "duopoly" broadcast stations.
Examples abound oflocal television stations absorbing one another and merging their news
operations, resulting in fewer local voices on the airwaves and reduced consumer choice.
The existing rules governing television station ownership are intended to ensure that the use of
public airwaves serves the public interest. Unfortunately, some broadcast companies have taken
advantage ofa sympathetic FCC over the last eight years to gain control ofmultiple television
stations in a given market.
As a result ofconsolidation, local evening newscasts are now presented on competing network
affiliates by the exact same news staff and anchor team in markets across the country, from
Honolulu to Cedar Rapids to Baltimore. In addition to fewer news programs, many believe
consolidated ownership oflocal stations leads to an erosion ofquality programming for
children.
As the Commission moves forward with its review ofmedia ownership rules, we strongly urge
you to examine the effect multiple station ownership within a local media market has on the
public interest and to consider potential courses of action should the problem need to be
addressed.
Sincerely,
~~~
Chuck Grassley
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