Unconfirmed Sources report that plans are afoot to sell off the FCC to private interests. To head off increasing budget pressures the Bush Administration is considering selling off several government agencies. Rumor has it that the FCC is to be first on the auction block.
Chairman Powell Jr would not confirm the rumor. The White House is also keeping mum about its plans to spin off the FCC.
Our sources report the Bush Administration is frustrated with the rate of media consolidation and thinks a private company could really speed up the process. It is well known that Mr Bush prefers the free market to government regulation in such matters.
Media insiders are greeting the rumor of the plan positively. One insider put it this way. "In matters of media consolidation the FCC has neglected us. We've really been on our own trying to figure it out with little help from the government. I think a more nimble FCC, free from the shackles of government, could be a real boon to the industry."
There is a lot of buzz in the industry about the spin off and companies are lining up to have a crack at owning such a valuable property. One possible buyer Clear Channel Communications is said to be looking for a partner to help fund a joint purchase. Popular wisdom suggests FOX would also be a good bet as soon as they complete their planned merger with the Republican Party.
