Nader, others see flaws in broadcast deregulation

Over 30 public-interest, labor, and religious groups urged Congress to reject new broadcast deregulation provisions in a Senate budget bill. "The Congress of the United States is about to make a serious mistake," Ralph Nader said in a statement by the groups. "It is about to repeal the basic laws which protect the public interest in communications."

Mr. Nader and the others criticized provisions in the Senate budget reconciliation bill which they said would give radio stations permanent licences , allow new licenses for radio and TV stations to be granted on a lottery basis, relieve radio stations of having to ascertain community needs or community information requirements, and let TV station licenses be renewed "almost automatically."