#122: Saving Local News

Today’s media landscape looks nothing like the 1970s. Back then, newspapers, radio, and television were the only games in town. But despite such insignificant developments like Internet news and massive layoffs in traditional print media, FCC rules haven’t kept up with the times. Last month, the FCC voted to retain nearly all rules preventing the cross-ownership of newspapers, broadcast TV stations and radio stations in the same market. Evidence suggests that cross-ownership could help save the struggling print news industry by allowing local media to pool their resources and share newsrooms. Why is the FCC stuck in the past? How will these rules affect diversity in media? Matthew Berry, Chief of Staff for FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai, joins the show to discuss. For more, read Commissioner Pai’s dissent.