FCC Commissioner Copps Champions the Public Interest
In a recent article with the editor of TV Newsday, FCC Commissioner Michael Copps discussed his number one media policy goal — holding broadcasters accountable to the public interest for the privilege of using publicly owned airwaves.
Throughout the interview, Copps proved that he is not afraid to answer the tough questions. When asked why he opposes small market consolidation, given the supposed expense of helping local broadcasters “maintain their margins, maintain their profitability,” Copps drives right to the heart of the issue:
“I’m not convinced that we’re dealing with a lot of distress here… the fact of the matter is, I think most broadcast stations are still doing pretty good whether you’re talking 20% or 30% or 40% on margin. I mean, that’s not bad. I wish I had some investments like that.”
And his response to “doesn’t a business have a right to grow its profitability?” was equally straightforward. “This is an industry that a little different than most,” says Copps. “This is an industry that’s predicated on the use of the public airwaves and there is a solemn obligation that is undertaken by the broadcaster when he or she gets those airwaves for free to serve the public interest.”
A tribute to his dedication and hard work as a champion of the public interest, TV Newsday notes, “What really bugs broadcasters about Copps is that even as a member of the FCC’s Democratic minority he has been highly effective.”
