Byron Dorgan: “Jesse Helms wrote a letter to my colleague, Trent Lott. Dear Trent: Thank you for your leadership in trying to undo the…”

“Jesse Helms wrote a letter to my colleague, Trent Lott. Dear Trent: Thank you for your leadership in trying to undo the disaster created by the Federal Communications Commission's new media ownership rules. These rules will benefit huge conglomerates and no one else. Let me point out, Senator Helms is one of the few people who served in this Senate who came from a broadcast background. Sometimes I think people in Washington, particularly at the Commission, have forgotten that the FCC role is to preserve localism, diversity, and competition. In no way are those criteria supported by the recent FCC ruling. If the commission fails, as it has, then Congress must step in. You and Senator Dorgan have done that. I can think of no reason to allow fewer companies to own more and more of the media. Media ownership is a bipartisan issue that commands a close review by Democrats and Republicans. When your resolution comes to the Senate floor, I'll be cheering for 51 votes. It is signed by Jesse Helms, former U.S. Senator. In this morning's newspaper, the FCC chairman, Mr. Powell, makes comments about what we are doing here today. I happen to like Chairman Powell. Personally, I think he is a good person. We have had a good relationship. I think he has made a horrible mistake. His leadership on this issue at the Federal Communications Commission, as I have said previously, has led the Commission to cave in as quickly and as completely to the special interests as anything I have ever seen.”