Ban media cross-ownership

The U.S. House of Representatives has a chance to do what it would not in 2003: take a stand against media consolidation, which is one of the greatest threats to democracy.

The U.S. Senate worked in the public's interest when it passed a "resolution of disapproval" of media consolidation in May. The House has been content to sit on its companion piece, which would kill a new Federal Communications Commission rule that essentially lifts the media cross-ownership ban.

The resolution was introduced by Reps. Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge Island, and Dave Reichert, R-Auburn. The resolution currently has 45 sponsors, of which Reichert is the only Republican.

Too bad. This is not a partisan issue. Reichert needs to work on his colleagues, especially the 18 Republicans who voted for similar legislation in 2003.

The new FCC rule essentially lifts the media cross-ownership ban, which barred a company from owning a newspaper, television station and radio station in the same market. The overhauled rule applies to the nation's top 20 media markets, allowing a company to own a newspaper and broadcast outlet.

A close reading of the current rule shows it is filled with loopholes that would allow for consolidation in almost any market — small, medium and large.

The Senate, which passed a similar blocking resolution the last time the FCC tried to scrap the ban, acted quickly and decisively. It is past time the House did the same.