Supreme Court Turns Down Review of FCC Media Ownership Rules

The U.S. Supreme Court decided to deny a request to review the Third Circuit Court of Appeals decision on the FCC's media ownership rules.


In June 2004, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia overturned loosened media ownership rules adopted by the FCC in June 2003. The decision was seen as a blow to then FCC Chairman Michael Powell and large broadcasters. The FCC rules, adopted in 2003, sought to allow large media companies to exceed the previous 35% market penetration cap by acquiring additional local stations.


FCC Commissioner Michael K. Copps, who opposed the agency's earlier action, welcomed the decision:


"The ball is clearly back in the Commission's court. The FCC has a fresh opportunity now to come up with a set of rules to encourage localism, competition, and diversity in our media. If we work together, conduct outreach to engage the American people, and gather a more complete record, I am confident of our ability to craft rules that will withstand judicial scrutiny and the scrutiny of the American people. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work with my colleagues to get the job done."http://www.fcc.gov