Sen. Ted Stevens is trying to prevent a change in federal rules
on broadcasting that would allow major companies to control a larger piece
of the national market.
Stevens, a Republican, has introduced legislation that would prevent the
Federal Communications Commission from abandoning a rule that says a single
company can't control more than 35 percent of the national audience.
. . .
If the national networks bought out our affiliates, the local stations
would not be available to make decisions such as whether to cover items of
primarily local interest, such as the Iditarod, Stevens said in the
statement.
Stevens' bill is similar to one introduced in the House by Rep. Richard
Burr, R-N.C., last week.
. . .
Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the cross-ownership and nationwide
cap issues on June 2. But the proposals are being kept secret.
