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ARTICLE · 10 DECEMBER 2006

Telecom And The Elections: Issues Of Multiple Ownership Limits And Net Neutrality

Duane Morris LLP
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It is said that Congressional debates over telecommunications issues are more economic than political — typically pitting the very wealthy against the extremely rich.

United StatesMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
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It is said that Congressional debates over telecommunications issues are more economic than political — typically pitting the very wealthy against the extremely rich.

But the recent elections have produced a new dynamic, one in which the Democratic majority may perceive both a need and an opportunity to take an aggressive stance on two controversial telecom issues, namely multiple ownership limits and net neutrality. These issues have a populist flavor that could appeal to the party's core constituency. These are also issues that could help position the party heading into the presidential election season.

Multiple Ownership

Not so many years ago, any one broadcaster was limited to owning no more than seven AM, seven FM and seven TV stations nationwide. Following FCC decisions relaxing the rules, Congress followed suit. In the 1996 Telecommunications Act, national ownership limits for radio were eliminated entirely, and local limits for radio were relaxed such that a broadcaster

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