The FCC will hold its sixth localism hearing Oct. 31.
Democratic Commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein said five days’ notice was too short and “doesn’t bode well for the future of the commission’s localism and media ownership proceedings.”
The hearings are meant to provide a forum for the public to comment on how broadcasters are fulfilling public service obligations as the commission reviews media ownership rules. This hearing will include a presentation by the Media Bureau summarizing the record that the agency has received on localism, a panel presentation and a period for public comment.
The hearing will follow the regular public monthly meeting and end by 2 p.m.
In a statement, Copps and Adelstein asked, “Is the commission serious about allowing the public to participate in the agency’s decision-making? Or is the goal to be able to claim that hearings have been held, even if the public has not had a chance to fully participate?”
(Radio World)
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