In 2001, the FCC began rulemaking proceedings on two of its broadcast ownership rules - the Broadcast-Newspaper Cross-Ownership Rule and the Local Radio Ownership Rule. Then in September of 2002, the Commission issued a Biennial Review NPRM in which it sought comment on its four other broadcast ownership rules : the Television-Radio Cross-Ownership Rule; the Dual Network Rule; the Local Television Ownership Rule; and the National Television Ownership Rule. The September NPRM consolidated all three proceedings into a single Biennial Review for all broadcast ownership rules.

In late 2001, FCC Chairman Powell created the Media Ownership Working Group and tasked it with developing a solid factual foundation for re-evaluating FCC media ownership policies. The studies performed by the MOWG are the first step in developing a sound empirical basis for FCC media ownership policies that promote competition, diversity and localism in today's media market.

To file public comments in this proceeding, go to ECFS and enter "02-277" in the "Proceeding" box and complete the other required information.

1/23/03
Commission Field Hearing on Broadcast Ownership to be Held February 27, 2003, Richmond, VA.
Public Notice: Word | Acrobat
News Release: Word | Acrobat

1/16/03
Public Hearing on Media Ownership, Columbia University.
Powell's Remarks: Word | Acrobat
Copps' Remarks: Word | Acrobat
Martin's Remarks: Word | Acrobat

12/4/02
Chairman Powell Announces Public Hearing in Richmond, VA on Media Ownership.
News Release: Word | Acrobat

12/4/02
Commissioner Copps Welcomes First Hearing on Media Concentration.
News Release: Word | Acrobat

12/4/02
Media Bureau Releases Additional Data Set for Media Ownership Study.
Public Notice: Word | Acrobat

11/5/02
FCC's Media Bureau Adopts Procedures for Public Access to Data Underlying Media Ownership Studies and Extends Comment Deadlines for 2002 Biennial Regulatory Review of Commission's Media Ownership Rules.
Public Notice: Text | Word | Acrobat
Protective Order: Text | Word | Acrobat
Order: Text | Word | Acrobat
Commissioner Copps' Statement: Text | Word | Acrobat

10/1/02
FCC Releases Twelve Studies on Current Media Marketplace: Research Represents Critical First Step in FCC’s Fact Finding Mission.
News Release: Text | Word | Acrobat
Public Notice: Text | Word | Acrobat
Studies: Titles, Authors and Links to All 12 Studies...

9/24/02
2002 Biennial Regulatory Review -- Reveiw of the Commission's Broadcast Ownership Rules and Other Rules Adopted Pursuant to Section 202 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
NPRM: Text | Acrobat
News Release: Text | Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Text | Word | Acrobat
Martin Statement: Text | Word | Acrobat

11/9/01
Rules and Policies Concerning Multiple Ownership of Radio Broadcast Stations in Local Markets and Definition of Radio Markets.
NPRM: Text | Acrobat

10/29/01
FCC Chairman Michael Powell Announces Creation of Media Ownership Working Group.

10/19/01
Office of Plans and Policy Announces Roundtable Discussion of Media Ownership Policies.

9/20/01
Cross-Ownership of Broadcast Stations and Newspapers; and Newspaper/Radio Cross-Ownership Waiver Policy.
Order & NPRM: Text | Word | Acrobat