WASHINGTON - May 25 - Today, the Federal Communications Commission released its Notice of Inquiry as part of its congressionally mandated requirement to periodically review its media ownership rules. This is the FCC’s fourth media ownership review, and one that comes at a time of fundamental change in our media system. Despite the growth of information sources online, control of the production of original local news remain as consolidated as ever -- and in some markets is becoming more so.

The Commission’s media ownership rules are critical to ensuring diversity and competition in local media markets,” said Corie Wright, Free Press policy counsel. “We agree with Commissioner Copps that the public must have a seat at the table in the ownership proceeding. The Commission should hold meaningful public hearings, similar to those held by Chairman Kevin Martin, to put a spotlight on media consolidation’s impact on local communities.”