Martin proposes limits for cross-market ownership

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin's proposal to allow cross-market ownership of newspapers and broadcast stations would limit acquisitions to certain conditions within the top 20 markets. Other pending proposals to change ownership rules for local radio and television stations apparently have been tabled. The FCC announced the proposal this morning and set a Dec. 11 deadline for comments. Free Press quickly dubbed the proposal "corporate welfare for big media" and said it appears to contain a loophole allowing consolidation in many more markets.