On June 2, the Federal Communications Commission is scheduled to vote on a proposal to change current media ownership regulations, which could loosen restrictions on how many newspapers, television stations and radio stations a single company can own. Under the existing rules, a company cannot own a television station that reaches 35 percent of U.S. households, or own a newspaper, television station or radio station in the same city. The regulations, adopted between 1941 and 1975, were created to promote a diversity of opinions, encourage competition and prevent a few large companies from controlling the information people see, hear and read. By law, the FCC must study ownership rules every two years and change or repeal any regulation determined to no longer be in the public interest.
Drs. Robert Schrag, Robert Entman and Sarah Stein of North Carolina State University's Department of Communication are available to discuss media ownership issues and the ramifications of the pending FCC vote.
He teaches a class on media ownership and can discuss the impact that loosening the current rules would have not just on the United States, but on the world. He can also address the influence revenue has on information dissemination among media companies.
Entman, whose research and teaching interests focus on political communication and communication policy, can discuss the costs and risks associated with easing media ownership restrictions as well as the political ramifications of such a move.
She studies and teaches media criticism and theory. She can discuss how media conglomerates limit diversity and choice in the marketplace and the impact those conglomerates have on the democratic process.