U.S. Senator and Presidential hopeful Barack Obama (D-IL) has called on FCC chairman Kevin Martin to take a closer look at the consequences of changing media ownership rules. Last week, Martin said he hopes to enact the rule changes by the end of the year. Martin's plan allows for public comments on the rules through October and November, with a vote from the FCC on December 18. The relaxing of the ownership rules would allow a company to own a newspaper and a TV or radio station in the same market. Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Trent Lott (R-MS) have already written a letter asking Martin to slow down on the decision, and Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) has urged the FCC not to rush into a judgment as well.

In his letter, Obama called on Martin to launch an independent review panel to develop proposals to further promote media ownership diversity. He also asks for the FCC to reconsider the Chairman’s proposed consolidation timeline and start a public review of any specific proposed rule modifications, and to complete a study of the responsibilities that broadcasters have to the communities in which they operate.

"Minority owned and operated newspapers and radio stations play a critical role in the African American and Latino communities and bring minority issues to the forefront of our national discussion. However, the Commission has failed to further the goals of diversity in the media and promote localism, and as a result, it is in no position to justify allowing for increased consolidation of the market," Obama wrote. "Moreover, 30 days of public review of a specific proposed change is insufficient to assess the effect that change would have on the media marketplace or the rationale on which any such proposal is based."

Obama also said that he "object[s] to the agency moving forward to allow greater consolidation in the media market without first fully understanding how that would limit opportunities for minority, small business, and women owned firms."

He concluded, "I ask you to reconsider your proposed timeline, put out any specific change to the rules for public comment and review, move to establish an independent panel on minority and small business media ownership, and complete a proceeding on the responsibilities that broadcasters have to the communities in which they operate."