News

The Federal Communications Commission will hold an open hearing at Duke Law School on March 31 from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. to discuss an FCC review of rules that seek to protect localism, competition, and diversity in the media. The discussion will include rules that limit dominance of local television markets, the merger of major television networks and community media outlets, and percentage control of television households nationwide.

“This is the biggest decision the FCC will make this year, and it will affect television, radio, newspapers, cable TV, and Internet news and entertainment for years to come,” said FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps. “I hope everyone concerned will come make their voices heard.”

Panelists will be drawn from throughout North Carolina to maximize input on these critical issues, FCC officials said. After the panel discussions, members of the public will have an opportunity to participate. The event at Duke Law is one of about a dozen hearings being held across the country this winter and spring to elicit public comment on key media topics, including panels in Chicago, Phoenix, New York, Seattle and Washington, D.C.

The March 31 hearing will be held in Room 3043 of the Law School. Commissioners Copps and Jonathan S. Adelstein are expected to attend. Also invited are U.S. Congressmen Richard Burr (R-NC) and David Price (D-NC) as well as representatives of radio stations, television stations and other media and interest groups. Panels will focus on localism and community standards, local news, and diversity.

The hearing is open to the public and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. More details are available at www.fcc.gov. The proceedings will be webcast live at http://www.law.duke.edu/webcast/. For more information, please call Kurt Meletzke, director of alumni relations and special events at Duke Law School, (919) 613-7214.