FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has asked the agency inspector general to investigate how two papers on radio and TV ownership were suppressed. The first paper, on TV ownership, was revealed during Martin’s renomination hearing last week by Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.
The second paper, on radio ownership, also came to light this week from Boxer. Both papers have been posted on the FCC’s Web site.
In a letter to Boxer, Martin reiterated that he was not chairman when the papers were written, he had never seen them, and did not know why they were not published.
The “Review of the Radio Industry,” from 2003, shows the number of radio station owners has declined due to consolidation.
Martin told Boxer that information from both studies would be included in the pending media ownership review proceeding.
In a statement, former Chairman Michael Powell said he was unaware of the studies and that not all such documents at the commission are published.
FCC to Investigate Origin of Ownership Studies; Radio Report Surfaces
FCC to Investigate Origin of Ownership Studies; Radio Report Surfaces
