STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS
Re: Meridian Communications of Idaho, Inc. re Application for Construction Permit 
for New Television Station on Channel 20 Idaho Falls, Idaho
In its denial of the Application for Review filed by News-Press & Gazette 
Company, the FCC is somewhat constrained by the precedent of the Spousal Attribution 
Order in determining the real-party-in-interest. Based on evolving business 
arrangements, I believe that agreements such as those between the Rogers family warrant 
a wider scope of review to better inform our decision-making. Irrespective of any 
findings related to the real-party-in-interest here, it is crystal clear to me that the real 
party of concern must be the consumer in the Idaho Falls-Pocatello DMA.
 
It is long past time for the FCC to begin a proceeding to examine how shared 
services, local marketing agreements and other such arrangements affect the localism, 
diversity and competition that must always undergird the public interest. There may be 
occasions when it is appropriate for two broadcasters to share some expensive resources.
But when the click of the remote displays generally the same news on two distinct 
channels, we have real problem that needs to be addressed. The spectrum belongs to the 
American people and it is much too valuable to allow companies to do an end-run around 
our media ownership rules to increase their profit while denying the areas they serve of 
the news and information they need.