The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact: Timothy Karr: 201-533-8838,,tkarr@freepress.net

Free Press Urges Public Hearings on Media Ownership

Encourages FCC to Promote Competition and Diversity

WASHINGTON

Today, the Federal Communications Commission
released its Notice of Inquiry as part of its congressionally mandated
requirement to periodically review its media ownership rules. This is
the FCC's fourth media ownership review, and one that comes at a time of
fundamental change in our media system. Despite the growth of
information sources online, control of the production of original local
news remain as consolidated as ever -- and in some markets is becoming
more so.

The Commission's media ownership rules are critical to
ensuring diversity and competition in local media markets," said Corie
Wright, Free Press policy counsel. "We agree with Commissioner
Copps that the public must have a seat at the table in the ownership
proceeding. The Commission should hold meaningful public hearings,
similar to those held by Chairman Kevin Martin, to put a spotlight on
media consolidation's impact on local communities."

Free Press was created to give people a voice in the crucial decisions that shape our media. We believe that positive social change, racial justice and meaningful engagement in public life require equitable access to technology, diverse and independent ownership of media platforms, and journalism that holds leaders accountable and tells people what's actually happening in their communities.

(202) 265-1490