FCC proposal to restrict news coverage

On June 2, the Federal Communications Commission is expected to authorize sweeping changes in the way American news media operate, by relaxing its anti-monopoly ownership rules. The media watchdog group Free Press explains the proposed changes:

"The FCC is poised to eliminate several ownership restrictions. One of those restrictions prevents common ownership of newspaper and television or radio stations in a single geographical market. In the aftermath of the proposed changes, a wave of massive media consolidation is expected; at local levels it is wholly possible one firm could acquire the vast majority of media outlets including daily newspapers, TV stations, radio stations, and cable TV systems. Radio, which had its ownership rules relaxed in 1996, is now dominated by ten parent companies nationwide: Clear Channel and Viacom alone control 42% of listeners and 45% of industry revenues." (http://www.mediareform.net/news.php?id=74)

Democracy relies on an informed electorate, which in turn depends on exposure to a wide range of information and opinion. NCAC and many other observers are concerned that media consolidation will usher in an era in which a few large corporations control access to news and entertainment. Commissioner Michael Copps, one of two democratic appointees to the FCC, says the change could dramatically undermine our democracy; he called this the most important FCC vote in a generation.

We think the proposed rules, if adopted, would undermine our ability to hear a diversity of views and speakers. They would limit the venues for the expression of views that do not serve the economic and other interests of large media corporations. Media corporations can't be expected to balance themselves: news corporations' concerns for the bottom line almost invariably affects journalistic practices. In the case of the media, we think that competition among a greater number of entities will keep all more honest, promote higher journalistic standards, and provide the kind of access to information and ideas that are so essential to democracy.

The Senate Commerce Committee is preparing to hold hearings on the proposed rule change. The Committee chair is Senator John McCain, 202-224-2235; Fax:202-228-2862; john_mccain@mccain.senate.gov or 241 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.20510. Other Committee members include Senator Fritz Hollings, 202-224-6121; fax 202-224.4293; http://hollings.senate.gov and Senator Barbara Boxer, 202-224-3553 or 415-403-0100; fax: 415-956-6701; boxer.senate.gov

FCC Commissioners who are expected to support the rules changes are Michael Powell, Chairman, 202-418-1000, mpowell@fcc.gov, Commissioner Kevin J. Martin: 202-418-2100, kjmweb@fcc.gov and Commissioner Kathleen Q. Abernathy: 202-418-2400, kabernat@fcc.gov.

For more information see: www.mediareform.net www.moveon.org/moveonbulletin/bulletin12.html www.commondreams.org/views03/0429-12.htm