As the Federal Communications Commission wraps up its review of News Corp.'s takeover of Hughes and DirecTV, those concerned with the transaction are taking their issues directly to personnel working for the commissioners.
In a recent meeting with staff for FCC Commissioner Kevin Martin, the Center for Digital Democracy reiterated its stand that the deal should be rejected. If approved, the transaction should have conditions, such as requiring News Corp. to make channel capacity available on a non-discriminatory basis to both commercial and non-commercial programmers.
The center also took aim at DirecTV's recent deal with News Corp.-controlled Gemstar TV Guide for interactive program guide technology. "It's another example of how this transfer is fraught with a series of conflicts, and furthers even more consolidation in the TV business," the group said.
The commission has been given details of the News Corp./DirecTV transaction, with a recommendation from staff that the deal should be approved with conditions. The FCC has a meeting set for Dec. 17, though it's not certain the commission will take up the matter that day.