CBS says duopoly lottery must go.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

Broadcasting & Cable, October, 1999 by McConnell, Bill

Whoever holds the pole position has a big advantage in the great duopoly race, and CBS is fighting to stake out an inside position. The network is asking the FCC to ditch plans that would make broadcasters compete via a lottery when they want to establish TV duopolies in some markets. Instead, the network--which announced Sept. 7 that it would be acquired by Viacom Inc. for $36 billion in stock--says companies that are first to sign contracts should be given priority to form same-market station groups.

No surprise, the Viacom/CBS deal was the first major merger announced after the FCC voted to permit TV duopolies in August. Under the new rules, duopolies would be permitted in markets where eight separately owned TV outlets would remain. The merger with CBS...

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