SENATOR DEMANDS FTC OVERSIGHT DOCUMENTS: Committee to Review Transfer of Media Antitrust Authority to Justice

WASHINGTON (AdAge.com) -- The chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee is demanding to see details of the meetings between Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department that created the agreement to cede antitrust oversight in media deals to Justice.

Sen. Fritz Hollings, D-S.C., today has informed FTC Chairman Timothy Muris and Attorney General John Ashcroft that his committee will conduct a formal review into last week's decision that limits the FTC's enforcement over "key industries" and assigns the Justice Department exclusive enforcement over broadcast and print media companies.

Details of meetings
Sen. Hollings is apparently irate that the move was made without congressional approval. He has asked Messers. Muris and Ashcroft to provide him with the list of meetings that were held to craft the agreement; a list of participants, including the "names and identities of any and all outside parties and consultants that provided recommendations and advice"; and any e-mails or correspondence with outside parties.