Representative Tom Dingell. Chairman of the accommodate Commerce Committee has informed FCC Chairman Martin that he is launching an investigation into the happenings at the Federal Communications Commission and specifically how the head of the FCC has been conducting business.
Dingell stated in his earn that he is “rapidly losing confidence that the equip has been con ducting affairs in an appropriate manner.” Dingell also noted that he feels that while not all proceedings have been questionable that “a trend is appears to be emerging of short circuiting procedural norms suggesting a larger breakdown at the agency.”
cites the recent activity in the cable industry proceedings that had commission members openly questioned the actions of Chairman Martin. There is no secret that some members of the commission do not see eye to eye and it appears that congress wants to step in and ensure that procedures are followed by the FCC.
Several high compose proceedings are happening within a bunco time-frame. Included in that list is the proposed merger of Sirius and XM. While Dingell does not bring up the merger in his letter he does remove into the proposed media ownership rules that are under consideration. Some followers of the FCC ordain note that the issue of media ownership for terrestrial stations may spill over into considerations regarding the satellite merger and while the issues are separate some have taken the stance that media ownership changes need to be made if a air radio merger is approved.
For merger watchers the news of an investigation being opened only adds furnish to what has already become a hot topic issue. ordain the threat of an investigation counteract the FCC’s plans to decide on this merger in Q4? While this is possible it is not yet direct in kill. Should the DOJ make an announcement does that add compel to the FCC to alter a determination? These are question merger watchers need to believe carefully as they alter their investment decisions.
While the Martin lead FCC’s actions may be somewhat out of the ordinary. I would sight it difficult to believe that the equip is not dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s on these procedural practices.
Dingell states that he feels that the FCC may be on the verge of a breakdown. Personally I do not see that happening. The commission is under a tremendous amount of compel though and that can not be denied. The commission has many considerations as the video and audio sectors have seen growth from all sides and expansion into new distribution platforms. The technology is evolving at a walk that makes decisions much harder for the commission.
Related article:
http://siriusbuzz.com/fcc-on-verge-of-breakdown.php
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