Commission Denies Further Comment Extension in Ownership Proceeding

The commission said “no” to a request for another extension of the public comment period for the media ownership rules. Public comments in the proceeding were extended earlier to Jan. 2 for public comments and replies by Feb. 3. The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council and the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters asked for an extension to Jan. 16 and March 17, respectively, saying the academics both groups rely on for expertise are unavailable due to winter school breaks.
The Media Bureau stated it needs to balance the request against the concern of others that the proceeding not be delayed. The Newspaper Association of America opposed the further extension.