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By Bob Weaver
This falls under the "This will be good for you" department, according to reports in some state newspapers today.
Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission changed what West Virginians will see, hear and read in the
future.
The agency repealed decades-old regulations on the number of media outlets one company can own in the same area. The
rules were originally based upon the fact the public owns the airways, and public access must be protected.
The same corporation can now own a newspaper, television station and several radio stations in the same market. Giant
media conglomerates will be able to own more TV stations than ever before.
The FCC voted yesterday 3-2 along party lines. All three Republicans on the FCC, including Chairman Michael Powell,
voted in favor of the new rules.
"The FCC is simply pandering to the huge companies," according to Don Ray, general manager of WSAZ-TV. "There will
be less local news and less independence in smaller markets," he said. Corporate owners will likely control what is being
seen on the outlet or published in a paper vs. local production or local interest.
This has already happened with multiple ownership of radio stations in several West Virginia markets. They are
pre-programing or doing duplicate broadcasts with occasional "local" break-ins. Local independent radio stations with local
news and content are at serious risk, according to opponents.
Proponents say that the large corporations will have more money to provide better programming.
Media companies said the old rules were outdated and unnecessary because of the rise of the Internet and cable TV.
West Virginia broadcasters say the rules would affect most of the state. Some fear that local TV programmers could lose
control over which programs they can and cannot show.
John Sturm, president of the Newspaper Association of America claims "Local audiences will be the big winners."
Elizabeth Chilton, publisher of The Charleston Gazette, said, "We plan to continue to publish the largest and best newspaper
in West Virginia."
A West Virginia company "Media Holdings," has acquired WOWK-TV in Huntington and stations in Clarksburg, Wheeling
and Beckley, as well as The State Journal. The corporation, principally owner by John Raase of Morgantown, has
reportedly been making offers to buy the Charleston Gazette and possibly the Daily-Mail. The company owns radio stations,
but is continuing to look at purchasing other outlets.
Bray Cary, president of the media corporation, said the new ruling "creates some exciting possibilities within West Virginia."
He said earlier the corporation wants to portray West Virginia in a more positive manner.
Most of West Virginia daily newspapers, already owned by large companies, are already formatted, and are spending less
and less on local reporting.
Historically, the Parkersburg News and Sentinel published regional news, but now focuses on the Parkersburg-Marietta
area, but even then the local coverage appears limited.
Coming soon to a regulation near you, more control of internet content, because "It will be good for you" and protect you
from all the negative material. | 
