It’s pretty much the All Government Broadcast Roundup today!

FCC OKs cross-ownership, cable cap
The FCC, despite opposition in the Senate and from various interest groups, on Tuesday voted 3-2 in favor of a new cross-ownership rule to allow media companies in the Top 20 markets, under certain conditions, to own both a newspaper and either a TV or radio station. The FCC also adopted a rule that limits a single cable company from serving more than 30% of all U.S. subscribers. The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times

• NAB: Cross-ownership “no longer justified”: Calling yesterday’s FCC action on newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership “an important step forward” NAB spokesman Dennis Wharton said Tuesday the organization is “pleased the FCC has adopted a revised newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership rule, recognizing that a 30-year-old complete ban is no longer justified.” Radio Ink

• Letter: White House supports Martin on ownership vote: The White House is backing FCC Chairman Kevin Martin on its newly approved cross-ownership rule, and warned it would oppose any congressional action to overturn the regulatory revision, which “will help to protect the public interest,” according to a Dec. 4 letter from U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez to Senate leaders. Broadcasting & Cable

Bills proposed that would hit radio with performance royalties
Both the House and Senate have introduced measures that would charge a performance tax for broadcast radio outlets. The NAB vowed to “aggressively” fight the proposed royalties, which also are opposed by 119 House members. “After decades of Ebenezer Scrooge-like exploitation of countless artists, RIAA and the foreign-owned record labels are singing a new holiday jingle to offset their failing business model,” NAB spokesman Dennis Wharton said. Forbes, Radio Ink, Radio Online

• Groups weigh in on new performance royalty bills: The Free Radio Alliance, which includes the NAB and several broadcasters and state broadcaster associations, has come out against the performance royalty bills introduced Tuesday in the House and Senate, calling the royalties a “transfer tax on local communities.” Radio Ink

FCC adopts new rules on ownership diversity
The FCC on Tuesday adopted a series of proposals meant to increase broadcast ownership by new entrants and minority- and women-owned small businesses. The new rules, according to FCC Associate Media Bureau Chief Chris Robbins, are designed to “assist any eligible entities with access to financing and opportunities for spectrum — areas that have been identified as challenges for new entrants and small businesses.” TVNEWSDAY, Radio Ink

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