[BC] FCC PUBLIC HEARINGS

[FrankGott@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/23/2007 9:15:14 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
fgottlieb at kqv.com (aka FrankGott at aol.com) writes:

<< As many of you are aware the FCC is hosting a public forum in Harrisburg on
 consolidation and other issues facing our industry on Friday, Feb 23rd.
 This will be the third such hearing.
 
 Although we are located in Pittsburgh, not Harrisburg, two of the FCC
 Commissioners are eager to let the public know their views.
 
 Prior to the hearing, you can listen to a live interview with FCC
 Commissioner Michael Copps  >>

Commissioner Copps says that before there are changes to the old rules we 
have to make sure there are not bad new rules.  He opposes further consolidation. 
 He's concerned about homogenized programming and the loss of localism in 
programming, losing regional creative touches and music genres.

He also laments the loss of local news and local issues on the radio as 
newsrooms seem to be the first to go when big companies take over stations.  

Copps says we now get in demographic programming, which leaves out minority 
populations.


The Harrisburg hearing Friday was supposed to be from 9am to 2:30pm.  Over 
200 people turned out.  It went past 3:30, so we never got the chance for the 
post-interview.

Were any of you folks from the Harrisburg area at the hearing?

Frank Gottlieb<BR><BR><BR>**************************************<BR> AOL now 
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