WASHINGTON, DC- The Senate Commerce Committee has approved legislation cosponsored by Senator Susan Collins that reverses the recent decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow media companies to own a greater percentage of markets around the nation. Senator Collins recently spoke out against the FCC's decision saying that it would have "long-term consequences for the diversity of voices and free expression in our nation." Today's legislation would reinstate the 35 percent media ownership cap that has been in effect for decades.
Following today's committee approval of the bill, Senator Collins said, "Passing this bill is the right thing to do. Our democracy depends on a diversity of viewpoints and I am concerned that the increased concentration of media power in the hands of a few big companies threatens that diversity.
"The action taken today should send a signal to the FCC about how important we view this issue."
Senator Collins applauded Senators Stevens (R-AL) and Hollings (D-SC) for their efforts in writing the legislation.