Democrats Threaten Push for Media Rules Vote

[papau]

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=politicsNews&storyID=3660540

Democrats Threaten Push for Media Rules Vote
Tue October 21, 2003 05:35 PM ET
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. House of Representatives' Democrats on Tuesday threatened to force a vote aimed at restoring stricter media ownership limits if Republican leaders there refuse to schedule a vote.

Rep. Maurice Hinchey said he would try to round up the necessary 218 signatures on a petition to force a vote on a measure he has introduced that would roll back new limits that would permit media conglomerates to buy more television stations and own multiple media outlets in a market. <snip>

...a backlash among consumer advocates, political organizations and lawmakers. The Senate passed last month a resolution that would reinstitute stricter rules, including banning in a market cross-ownership of newspapers, radio and television stations by a company.

It would also limit television networks from owning local stations that collectively reach 35 percent of the national audience, instead of the 45 percent threshold the FCC set in June. <snip>

[Rose Siding]

1. ONE question...

What is he waiting for?

[NewJerseyDem]

2. That is a good question

He might as well just put the discharge petition out there for people to sign and he can see what happens. I don't see what the harm in that is.

[Democat]

3. Why threaten? Just do it!

Republicans don't care about threats, and we're just giving them time to come up with a plan.

[Zhade]

4. Exactly. Why do they keep tipping their hand like this?

It's not like the Republicans are going to freeze up in fear over a threat like this. "Oh no! The Democrats are serious this time, fellers!"

Just DO it already, people! Save what's left of the 'free' media, and while you're at it, block that righwing nutjob Murdoch from buying my employer!