Grand Rapids area Representative Vern Ehlers has expressed concern over recent changes to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules that would allow media companies to own both a newspaper and a radio or television station in twenty major markets. In a response to an email letter sent via Free Press, Ehlers said:

"Supporters of the change argue that the old rules were overly restrictive and no longer reflective of the number of sources of media and news coverage available to consumers. However, while I know that there are many more media outlets now than when the rules were originally written, I am still concerned that these rules will stifle competition and reduce diversity of programming and news sources. It is important that West Michigan residents should not be limited to getting their news and information from only one or two sources."

Ehlers then goes on to state that there is legislation pending in the United States House of Representatives and the Senate that would require the FCC to publish notices of a vote 90 days in advance, require the FCC to respond to public comment, and to establish an "independent panel" to look at the issue of minority and women ownership of the media. The FCC would be required to respond to the findings of the panel before it could move forward on further changes. However, Ehlers does not indicate his stance on the legislation, nor has he signed on as a co-sponsor. Instead, Ehlers says simply "I will continue to monitor how these rules affect my constituents in West Michigan."