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BRIEF: As the FCC prepares to vote on whether or not to redraw the ownership lines for radio, print and television, the domination of companies like Clear Channel, Univision and Viacom are already evident in Houston. In some cases, stations that seem to compete with each other for listeners are in fact drinking from the same trough. Current regulations limit companies from owning multiple media formats in the same market, but the new rule changes could give them free reign over any media outlet in which they wish to invest. In a city with only one major newspaper, many people turn to radio and television for their news and entertainment. Currently there are 50 radio stations and 28 television stations in the Houston metropolitan area. The breakdown of current corporate ownership is as follows: Clear Channel owns 16 percent of the local radio market, with eight radio stations -- five FM stations and three AM. Univision, which owns two television stations, controls 10 percent of the local market with five radio stations. Viacom comes in third with four stations, which comprises 8 percent of the market. KPFT, a listener sponsored community radio station, is the only non-commercial station on the dial not owned by a commercial, religious or academic institution. With a population of just over four million, many are concerned about the ability of three companies to represent the needs of the Houston community. More importantly, they ask whether these companies that are not based in Houston will understand the needs unique to Houston. As states continue to pursue penalties and settlements with Microsoft for its dominance in the computer world, it's a wonder why these same states aren't pursuing companies like Clear Channel for their clear-cutting practices. [For more information on the breakdown of your local media, visit the Center for Public Integrity online at www.openairwaves.org]. Chris Sampson, KPFT News, Houston. E-mail Chris Sampson at chris@omradio.com . This story was broadcast on May 30, 2003.