Capitol Broadcasting CEO Jim Goodmon told U.S. senators this morning that he does not support the FCC's proposed rule changes allowing more media consolidation in local markets.

"As broadcasters move from analog to digital, now is not the time to revise the media ownership rules," Goodmon said in prepared testimony.

Goodmon warned that with the Federal Comminications Commission’s consolidation rules from 2003, his company could own not only a pair of television stations and five radio stations within the Raleigh-Durham area, but also The News & Observer and Durham's daily newspaper as well.

"In 2007, let's not repeat the mistakes of 2003," Goodmon said. "Over the course of the last few years, the public—our viewers—have become increasingly aware that the airwaves belong to them and that we, as broadcasters, are accountable."

After the jump, his prepared testimony.

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Jim Goodmon is testifying on Capitol Hill about media ownership.

The Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee is holding a hearing on media consolidation this morning, Barb Barrett reports.

The Federal Communications Commission has proposed relaxing current rules on media ownership. Now, federal regulations forbid some media consolidation such as the ownership of a TV station and a newspaper in the same market.

Goodmon, who owns the local CBS affiliate, WRAL-TV, has long been a proponent of media diversity.

The FCC's proposed changes have drawn some opposition. U.S. Rep. David Price, a Chapel Hill Democrat, held a meeting in Durham that drew "hundreds" of residents the last time the FCC proposed rule changes, said his spokesman, Paul Cox.

Price also has written FCC chairman Kevin Martin asking Martin to explain the proposed changes, Cox said.

State Sen. Janet Cowell said she raised close to $100,000 for her campaign for state treasurer.

The fundraiser was held at the home of Susan and Perry Safran of Raleigh on Thursday. Among those attending were former Attorney General Rufus Edmisten and Jim Goodmon, the chief executive of WRAL-TV, Rob Christensen reports.

Cowell is one of several people seeking the Democratic nomination for treasurer.

The incumbent, Richard Moore is running for governor.