University of Southern California
University of Southern California Law and Economics Working Paper Series
Television Duopoly in Small Markets and Diversity of the Airwaves
Abstract
This article investigates whether television stations in small markets should be allowed to merge. The Federal Communications Commission prohibits such mergers. The FCC claims that such mergers will reduce the diversity of communications in small markets, and many commentators agree with the FCC. Consequently, the FCC and the commentators conclude that mergers should be prohibited. This article shows that the diversity rationale is wrong. For the most part, in small market settings diversity will be enhanced by mergers. Demonstrating this relationship (merger increases diversity of communication) occupies most of the article’s analytics. Based on my analysis, I suggest that there should be a rebuttable presumption in favor of merger in hearings before the Federal Communications Commission.
Subject Area
Administrative Law, Antitrust, Communications Law, Economics, Law and Economics
Recommended Citation
Matthew L. Spitzer,
"Television Duopoly in Small Markets and Diversity of the Airwaves"
(September 2008).
University of Southern California.
University of Southern California Law and Economics Working Paper Series.
Working Paper 85.
http://law.bepress.com/usclwps/lewps/art85
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