FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
August 19,20 II
JULIUS GENACHOWSKI
CHAIRMAN
The Honorable John Thune
United States Senate
493 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Thune:
Thank you for your letter regarding the Commis ion's 20 I0 Quadrennial Review of its
broadcast ownership rules and policies. Specifically, you urge the Commission to revise its local
radio ownership rules to eliminate the subcaps on common ownership of AM and FM radio
stations in the same market.
I appreciate your thoughts on this topic. The Commission is examining this issue as part
of the Quadrennial Review and requested comment on the distinction between AM and FM
stations in the rules establishing numerical limits on radio ownership in its May 20 I0 Notice of
Inquiry. The Commission also contracted for several studies to evaluate economic and
technological developments in the media marketplace since its last ownership review. The
studies were completed recently and are available on the Commission's website, along with
accompanying peer reviews.
I intend to circulate a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to my colleagues on the
Commission in the near future. Your letter will be made a part ofthe record in the proceeding
and the Commission will give careful consideration to your views.
I appreciate your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if
I may be of further assistance.
Sincer
445 12111 STREET S W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 • 202-4 I 8-1000