One rule would prohibit a cable company from owning systems that reach more than 25 percent of all subscribers.

But it also recommends no change in the laws that prohibit phone companies from owning cable systems.

They prohibit a network from owning stations that broadcast to more than 35 percent of the nation's homes.

And they prohibit a cable company from owning more than 30 percent of the national market.

Trying to foster competition, Federal rules prohibit companies from owning more than one major wireless system in any given market.

The questions are serious, because Federal law prohibits a foreign company from owning more than 25 percent of an American radio or television station.

At the moment, Federal law prohibits foreign companies from owning more than 25 percent of an American phone company.

Federal rules prohibit a cable company from owning more than 5 percent of a television broadcaster.

League rules that were passed last year prohibit members from owning teams in competing markets.

Federal rules prohibit companies from owning multiple wireless phone licenses in a single market.