The Federal Communications Commission voted on Tuesday to allow broadcasters to also own a newspaper in the same market. While Sinclair – which owns WEAR TV 3 – probably wouldn’t buy the PNJ, it is possible that Gannett – who owns the daily newspaper – would buy the television station.
Cross-ownership ban was approved by the FCC in 1975 to serve “the twin goals of diversity of viewpoints and economic competition.” The FCC noted at the time that “it is unrealistic to expect true diversity from a commonly owned station-newspaper combination.”
Waivers have been granted over the years. In Phoenix, Gannett owns the Arizona Republic and KPNX-TV. There are several smaller cities with cross-owned properties owned by Media General Inc.
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