FCC REGULATIONS REVIEW:

The Federal Communications Commission agreed Sept. 12 to begin the most comprehensive review of the nation's broadcast ownership regulations in its history.

It will explore several questions, including whether revisions of the rules will promote competition and advance diversity.

Regulations to be examined include:

a. Newspaper/Broadcast Cross-Ownership
b. Local Radio Ownership
c. National TV Ownership
d. Local TV Multiple Ownership
e. Radio/TV Cross Ownership
f. Dual Television Network

The FCC will also release several studies in the next few weeks that address the effects of the current media marketplace, including how consumer usage of media has changed and whether certain media groups better serve the informational needs of local communities through newscasts and public affairs programs.

DIVERSITY DEBATE:

The National Press Club will host a debate Nov. 18 between Juan Gonzalez, president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and William McGowan, author of "Coloring the News: How Crusading for Diversity Has Corrupted American Journalism."

The NPC awarded the controversial book its top prize for press criticism in the book entry category. McGowan claims that diversity efforts in hiring and promotion in the nation's newsrooms have resulted in lowering journalism standards.

NAHJ requested the debate in protest of the award, while the National Association of Black Journalists called for the National Press Club to rescind the award.

CIVIL RIGHTS:

The Media Access Project is hosting a discussion Sept. 26 with former FCC Chair William Kennard on "Media Concentration and Its Effect on Civil Rights," in Washington, D.C. For more information, call MAP at (202) 454-5685.