Could Mr. Burns actually buy up every media outlet in Springfield?
No. Federal regulations prevent anyone from owning every media outlet in a market area, although the Federal Communications Commission has proposed new rules that would allow Mr. Burns or some other media mogul to own more media outlets than before. These new rules have not gone into effect as of May 2004 pending a challenge in federal court. In particular, two rules would bar Mr. Burns from carrying out his latest plan. The existing cross-ownership rule prevents a single entity from owning TV stations and newspapers in the same market. Under the new FCC proposals, this rule would be eliminated for large markets and relaxed for smaller ones. The local TV multiple-ownership rule prevents a single entity from owning more than two television stations in one local market. Under the new FCC proposals, a single entity would be allowed to own three TV stations in a market with 18 or more TV stations, although it can own only one of the four highest-rated stations. The FCC has information on i
