TheBuzz
TheBuzz
TV duopoly raises hackles
Journalism groups are taking aim at Emmis Communications Corp.'s continued single ownership of KHON and KGMB television stations, both top-rated network affiliates.
Emmis' ownership of both stations has been allowed under repeated waivers of federal regulations granted by the Federal Communications Commission.
The Society of Professional Journalists Hawaii Chapter board of directors has vented its concerns in a letter to the FCC.
The Honolulu Community-Media Council is preparing a similar letter, which should be finished by week's end, according to Program Chairman Chris Conybeare.
Single ownership of two television stations in one market, called a duopoly, is permissible under certain FCC guidelines pertaining to percentage of market share, network affiliation and technical regulations. The two Emmis stations do not meet several guidelines for exemption.
Honolulu's KHNL-TV and KFVE-TV, owned by Alabama-based Raycom Media Inc., became the nation's first duopoly in January 2000.
KHNL carries programming from NBC, while KFVE broadcasts the UPN and WB networks.
KHON is a Fox affiliate, and KGMB is affiliated with CBS.
"This was not an easy decision for the board of directors of SPJ-Hawaii," said SPJ-Hawaii President Stirling Morita, who is also the Star-Bulletin's night editor. "We usually do not interject ourselves into the affairs of a media company or local television stations, except when we believe the conduct will be detrimental to media competition and journalism generally in Hawaii."
The SPJ letter, addressed to FCC Media Bureau Chief W. Kenneth Ferree, points out that KHON and KGMB are among the top ranked stations. SPJ argues in the letter that journalism will suffer due to the ownership arrangement, which has led to the naming of a single general manager for both operations and sharing news photographers for stories to air on both stations.
The media council's concerns mirror those of the SPJ, Conybeare said.
"If large corporate conglomerates control everything we read, see on TV, hear or go to the movies and experience, the concern is that we are going to be diminished in the variety and diversity that we are exposed to," he said.
Emmis says its plans will not harm diversity or limit editorial voices.
"While Emmis appreciates and respects the concern shown by the SPJ Hawaii chapter, their letter to the FCC, while well-intentioned, is a bit off the mark," said Kate Healey, director of media and investor relations.
"News quality is the No. 1 focus of Emmis Television," she said. "The actions we have taken in Hawaii are designed to enhance our news product and devote more resources to that area, while trimming administrative inefficiencies."
Rick Blangiardi, Hawaii market senior vice president and general manager for the two stations, has requested a meeting with SPJ leadership. They will meet next week.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin.
Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached
at: eengle@starbulletin.com