"The trend toward media consolidation threatens to silence the diversity of voices which underpin the marketplace of ideas upon which our democracy depends," said Senator Collins. "Nowhere is this risk more apparent than in rural states like Maine, where media consolidation in the radio industry has already eliminated much local content and silenced the voice of some rural communities. We cannot allow the error made in the radio industry to be repeated in broadcast and print media nationwide."
The petition the Senators signed today calls on the Senate Commerce Committee to discharge a resolution disapproving the rule announced by the FCC on June 2nd. In doing so, they trigger the provisions of the Congressional Review Act. This Act allows Congress to overturn decisions of regulatory agencies in their entirety. What's more, this type of legislation is given priority status under Senate rules.
"This is an unusual, but necessary, step. The FCC's decision was seriously misguided, and would do great harm. I am pleased to join my colleagues in advancing this important legislation to reverse the FCC's decision."