Byron Dorgan expects passage of his bill in both houses of Congress. Though a presidential veto remains likely, observers don’t believe the resolution has enough support to override a veto.
The North Dakota Democrat won a round this week against the FCC when the Senate Commerce Committee voted to throw out the new rule allowing some cross-ownership of newspapers and TV or radio stations in the biggest U.S. markets. Former Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., co-sponsored the resolution.
The measure now goes to the full Senate.
The action is also important as Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp., publisher of two dailies and two TV stations in New York City, has reportedly agreed to buy a third daily newspaper in the same market.
U.S. News & World Report looks at what’s next. It also quoted Dorgan as telling reporters he doesn’t buy the argument that the Internet and cable TV allow for many media voices, saying it’s the “same ventriloquist” behind many outlets.
