House Republicans Eyeing Quadrennial Review, JSAs and Tax Certificate Program for Friday Hearing

Topics likely on deck for Friday’s House Communications Subcommittee media ownership hearing include the FCC’s quadrennial review of ownership, broadcaster joint sales agreements and the minority tax certificate, all topics laid out in a Republican memo about the hearing released Tuesday. “The Commission’s history on reforming its media ownership rules is rife with missteps and setbacks,” the memo said. It outlined “rules in question” in the quadrennial review, pointing to the cross-ownership ban regarding newspaper owners and broadcasters, local TV and radio ownership limits and the national TV ownership cap. “Implemented properly,” the memo said, “a minority tax certificate program could produce diversity in ownership and programming without triggering constitutional concerns that can accompany programs intended to benefit women and minorities.” The hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. in 2123 Rayburn.