Copps Calls for More Independent Programming
FCC Comr. Copps called on the Commission to approve a set-aside of 25-35% of prime-time hours for independent producers and creators. Speaking by satellite to the NATPE conference, Copps said: “There’s just so much more creativity and genius out there than our media currently reflect. More independent programs would be a wonderful boon to diversity, localism and competition -- the 3 building blocks of a healthy and dynamic media environment.”
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Copps said consumers lose out on the diverse programming that independent producers can provide. Much of today’s network menu is geared toward 18-34 year olds, but the case can be made, for gearing programs toward older Americans, Copps said, citing the independently produced Golden Girls. He said the industry needed programming with all-American traits. “Years ago some of the experts told us not to worry because the rapidly expanding multichannel universe of cable TV would save independent programming. It didn’t happen. Instead, 90% of the top cable channels are owned by the same companies that own the TV networks and the cable distribution systems,” Copps said.
Copps’ arguments aren’t new. In July 2003, the commissioner pushed for more independent programming while speaking before the Senate Commerce Committee. Also at NATPE, Copps pressed for not delaying media ownership rules through further legislation. The FCC has until Jan. 31 to have the Solicitor Gen. seek appeal to the Supreme Court of the 3rd U.S. Appeals Court, Philadelphia, decision to remand much of the FCC’s media ownership rules. “Others want the Commission to move quickly to eliminate or loosen the media concentration rules one by one, again by flying under the radar screen -- another stealth process -- instead of examining in public the collective impact of the rules on our media,” Copps said.
Limiting media’s competitive options “doesn’t make much sense,” said Tribune Chmn. Dennis FitzSimmons. But Media Access Project Pres. Andrew Schwartzman said the effects of consolidation are evident on the NATPE conference exhibit floor, with little diversity.
Meanwhile, FitzSimmons and Schwartzman agreed Comr. Martin would be a good replacement for Chmn. Powell, who resigned last week. “Kevin Martin has the inside track,” FitzSimmons said, adding that he believed Martin would take a different approach toward the broadcasting industry. Schwartzman said Martin is more “transparent” in his stance on issues. -- Tania Panczyk-Collins
NATPE Notebook…
Carole Black said she’s stepping down as Lifetime CEO simply because it’s time for a change. Speaking Tues. afternoon at NATPE, Black said: “This is the longest I've ever been at any job now -- it will be 6 years in March. People begin to think they are their jobs… Change leads to growth and if you're not growing you're dying.” Black also said she wasn’t leaving because of health: “People keep asking if I'm terminally ill.” Black said she wants to spend more time with her grown son in Cal. Because Lifetime is headquartered in N.Y.C., Black said she’s “been living in a hotel for 6 years.” Black said the key to cable’s success, and Lifetime’s in particular, has been the commitment to original programming and understanding the audience. Although Black gave no indication where she might go next, she made it clear she has no intention of running for political office: “It would not be a good compromise. TV is so powerful, it is better for me to stay there. Washington appreciates the power of television.”