Media Ownership rules to change while Telecom Immunity debate is delayed.

The past 24 hours have been a civil liberties roller coaster. After the high of the Senate delaying consideration of surveillance rules for FISA, the FCC adopted new rules allowing an entity to own both a newspaper and a broadcast network in a single media market.

FISA and Telecom Immunity – Debate Delayed to the New Year
Let's start with the good news - thanks to the leadership of Senator Dodd, the Senate debate over changes to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), and retroactive immunity for telecoms involved in warrantless wiretapping is postponed until January, when more time can be devoted to the issue. This gives fresh hope to our request for an investigation by the Washington Utilities and Transporation Commission , which is currently on hold pending court cases that would effectively be wiped out if telecommunications companies were granted immunity.

As Caroline Fredrickson, director of our National Legislative Office, said:

In what is a welcome holiday gift for the American people, the Senate held a serious debate over the domestic spying issue. In hours of floor action led by Senator Dodd and joined by Senator Feingold, Senator Cardin and others, the U.S. Senate saw a true civil liberties mini-filibuster over the privacy rights of Americans.

Washingtonians should note that in the midst of yesterday's debate, there was a Senate vote to limit debate of the bill to 30 hours, which was a way to cut off Dodd's filibuster efforts. While Cantwell voted against the time limit, Murray voted for it - helping the Senate reach the 60 necessary votes.

FCC Media Ownership Proposal Approved
Unfortunately, the high from the Senate action was brought down by today’s announcement from Federal Communications Commission Chairman Martin. The FCC voted to allow one media entity to own both a newspaper and a broadcast station in one of the 20 largest media markets, which includes Seattle-Tacoma. According to the Seattle Times, consolidation would have to leave a minimum of eight independently owned-and-operated entities and could not involve one of the top four television stations in the market.

It’s frustrating to see further consolidation approved regardless of vigorous public opposition from a variety of Washingtonians, including Governor Gregoire, UW President Mark Emmert and the ACLU.

Now it is up to Congressional efforts like those hinted at by Senator Cantwell to protect our ability to receive diverse information through the public airwaves.