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Senate Approves Resolution Rejecting New FCC Rules

The US Senate yesterday voted 55 to 40, passing a resolution of disapproval overturning the Federal Communication Commission’s new media ownership rules approved last June. This follows the recent Third Circuit Court of Appeals decision temporarily blocking the new FCC rules that would allow large conglomerates to control more of the nation’s media. Sponsored by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND), the resolution is now slated for a House vote. Presidential aides at the Office of Management and Budget have said they will advise President Bush to veto the measure should it pass the House, reported AdAge.com.

In June, the FCC approved changes to increase the number of television stations media giants could own from 35 percent of the nation’s viewers to 45 percent. Fox (part of the News Corporation) and CBS (part of Viacom) already exceed the 35 percent limit, according to the New York Times.

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Sources:

Washington Post 9/16/03; AdAge.com 9/16/03; Feminist Daily News Wire

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