1.11.2008 from the CGC

Members of both parties in Congress had warned FCC Chairman Martin they would begin an investigation into how the agency conducts its business if he went ahead with a vote to ease the cross-ownership rules.

The commission proceeded anyway, and now the House Commerce Committee has begun a formal investigation into the FCC's regulatory procedures "to determine if they are being conducted in a fair, open, efficient and transparent manner," the committee told Martin in a letter.

"This investigation will also address a growing number of allegations received by the committee relating to management practices that may adversely affect the agency's operation," stated committee chair Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich.

Prior to the cross-ownership vote in December, Martin's fellow commissioners complained they were receiving material they needed to
vote on issues at the last minute, allegations Martin has denied.