The three-decade old ban on a newspaper buying a television or radio station in the same city is largely gone. Broadcast networks are also allowed to buy more stations at the local and national levels.

Despite fierce opposition, the Federal Communications Commission yesterday voted by a majority of one, to relax or eliminate decades-old rules governing media consolidation.

The changes will unleash a major new wave of consolidation among newspaper, television and radio companies.

The three decade old ban on a newspaper buying a television or radio station in the same city is largely gone. The commission also has allowed broadcast networks to buy more stations at the local and national levels.

• Michael Powell, FCC Chairman
• Jonathan S. Adelstein, FCC Commissioner
• FCC Vote
• Senator Fritz Hollings, South Carolina (D)