Venezuela's Chavez Moves to Tighten Control Over Private Media

In Caracas, Venezuela:

Venezuela's Chavez Moves to Tighten Control Over Private Media - WSJ.com

Public Works Minister Diosdado Cabello, who is also head of the government's broadcasting regulator, announced Thursday the government's new blueprint for the media industry.

The new regulations will bring under government oversight private Venezuelan channels that only broadcast through private cable providers.

Mr. Cabello's plans to "democratize" the airwaves involve turning over the frequencies to community groups that back Mr. Chavez.

MEANWHILE, in Caracas on the Potomac:

FCC Chairman Nominee: ‘I Do Not Support’ Reinstating Fairness Doctrine: conservatives say the new administration may try to use existing FCC regulations, such as its “localism” policy, to bring back the requirement that broadcast stations either present “both sides” or avoid talking about controversial issues. Under localism, which is already in place, "local content boards” would be created to ensure that a broadcasting station is up to par with community standards. ..

[Conservatives} say the boards would likely bow to political influence to determine what should – and should not -- be aired – in some localities, which could wind up excluding some conservative talk radio shows that dominate the talk radio airwaves. [Emphasis added]

Kudos to TEXAS Senator Hutchison for attending the hearing and asking questions of the nominee. However, it does not seem like she got a straight answer. The Dems are smart enough not to acknowledge support for the Fairness Doctrine any more. The "localism" policy, cited above, along with shorter terms on broadcasting licenses will be the way they go after talk radio. It doesn't appear Sen. Hutchison managed to sound out the nominee on the implementation of "localism" under his chairmanship.