Studies used by the Federal Communications Commission to bolster the argument for media consolidation have been called into question by a number of consumer groups. The Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union, and Free Press used FCC data to debunk the regulatory agencies own findings. A press release from the consumer groups said, "The new study dismantles claims that removing the ban on newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership would increase local news. In reality, cross-ownership results in a net loss in the amount of local news produced across local broadcast markets."

The release of the study was poorly timed for FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. It came out during a Congressional hearing last week that he wants the FCC to vote on media ownership rules by Dec. 18. Evidence contrary to the data Martin might use to jettison cross-ownership rules should give the other FCC commissioners, and Congress pause.

I have printed out the report and will be back with more on this topic.