Congress Opens Investigation Into FCC Chair

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Kevin J. Martin, is facing a Congressional probe over abuses of power, Variety reports. The head of the House Commerce Committee sent the FCC head a letter alleging "a larger breakdown in the agency." Members of both parties in Congress have criticized Martin's policies, particularly his plans to relax cross-ownership between newspapers and broadcast media.

At an ugly FCC meeting last week two members of the commission, one a fellow Republican, blasted Martin for suppressing data that contradicted his plans to reform the cable TV industry, a charge Martin denies. Media insiders say the pressure on Martin is expected only to heighten as the Democrat-controlled Congress demands answers on media ownership. (More Kevin J. Martin stories.)