Widespread consolidation in the communications industry - unleashed by a 1996 law - has limited opportunities for minorities and women to own companies, according to studies released Tuesday.
Drawing on the reports, which identified hurdles that these groups face in getting broadcast and wireless licenses, federal regulators pressed for steps to open up opportunities.
Those measures include reviving a now-defunct "tax certificate," which gave tax breaks to broadcasters who sold stations to minorities. Congress repealed that provision several years ago, citing abuses.
...A landmark 1996 telecommunications law, which helped relax ownership rules governing the industry, brought on a tidal wave of mergers. Some commissioners also have raised concerns that the consolidation is reducing the variety of views on the airwaves.
The research released Tuesday found that minority-owned radio stations
were more likely to air diverse programming and newscasts and hire a broader range of on-air personalities.