US Regulator

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the US today approved easing the limits on the ownership of television stations and newspapers in local markets, which has been criticized by the Democratic opposition to consider that it will facilitate the concentration in a few owners.

Washington, Nov 16 (EFE) .- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States today approved the easing of the limits on the ownership of television stations and newspapers in local markets. that has been criticized by the democratic opposition for considering that it will facilitate the concentration in a few owners.

The result of the vote was 3 votes in favor and two against, with that the Republicans asserted their majority in the federal regulatory body.

"It's about time." Finally, the agency moves ownership rules of broadcasters into the digital era. " Ajit Pai, the president of the FCC and main driver of the measure, argued.

One of the rules, dating back to 1970 and aimed at promoting independence in media ownership, prohibited the same company own a television and a newspaper in the same local market.

Another of the eliminated regulations demanded that, for a company that owns a television acquire another in the same market, the result of the merger should be at least 8 independent stations.

In this sense, one of the two Democratic commissioners, Jessica Rosenworcel, He stressed that "the decision breaks the most basic values" of the body and goes against diversity, competition and local production. "

Pai replied that, on the contrary," the gateway to competitive combinations that will strengthen local voices "in the new digital context.

Previously, the FCC had allowed certain exceptions to these limits, but maintained the prohibition as a general criterion.