Fw: [NOW-action-list] Make Your Voice Heard on Media Diversity BeforeIt's Too Late!

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Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2003 3:35 PM

Subject: [NOW-action-list] Make Your Voice Heard on Media Diversity BeforeIt's Too Late!

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May 13, 2003

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Action Needed

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Make Your Voice Heard on Media Diversity Before It's Too Late!Tell the FCC to Protect the People on June 2

Action Needed:

Please send a letter to the FCC and speak out against the media consolidation that is threatening to rob us all of the independent voices, views and ideas that nourish a pluralistic, democratic society.

Background:

Did you know that five giant corporations control most of the news and entertainment you see on TV? Did you know that just four companies control 90% of U.S. radio? That most of this country's newspapers are owned by only 14 companies?

What if things got worse? What if one of these mega-corporations could own multiple TV stations, radio stations and newspapers in your city?

Well, first of all, it would be remarkably easy for that company to control what you know and don't know about what's going on in your hometown, in your country and around the globe. The information available to you would be much less varied and content like local weather and traffic reports might not even be produced in your area! Finally, a truly colossal corporation would be much less likely to take a chance publicizing alternative viewpoints or covering complex issues. Sounds like women's voices and issues might be even further marginalized, right?

On June 2, the Federal Communications Commission—the government body entrusted with ensuring that the media "serve the public interest"—will review the existing regulations that keep massive conglomerations from gobbling up even more media properties.

NOW's Membership Vice President Terry O'Neill states: "The FCC must hear from us. Feminists must speak out against the media consolidation that is threatening to rob us all of the independent voices, views and ideas that nourish a pluralistic, democratic society. In the race for media dominance, big business is crushing what little diversity and competition remain in the marketplace."

Here's a scary example: Clear Channel Communications owned just 40 radio stations before the 1996 Telecommunications Act began slashing FCC regulations. Now, Clear Channel owns 1,200-plus stations (nearly 5 times more stations than its closest competitor) and the radio behemoth uses its control over the industry to organize pro-war rallies and ban songs by outspoken musicians.

Under the direction of Chair , the FCC has been responsive to the desires of big business, while turning a cold shoulder to the concerns of local communities and regular people. However, recent outcry by media activists (and even some industry insiders) appears to be attracting a bit of attention at the FCC. In the days leading up to June 2, feminists must continue to raise the volume on our side of the debate.

The following are the six media regulations currently up for review:

One company cannot own both a TV station and a newspaper in the same market.

One company can own a limited number of radio stations in a single market.

One single broadcaster cannot own multiple TV stations that together reach more than 35 percent of households in the U.S.

One company cannot own two TV stations in a single market (with some exceptions for larger markets).

One company can own a limited number of both radio and TV stations in a single market.

Two or more of the major broadcasters (ABC, CBS, FOX or NBC) cannot merge or be owned by a single entity. The FCC has not made its mind up yet, but it's certainly leaning in favor of corporate interests. Let's remind them who they work for—the people.

"The media are more than just a business; they bring information to people that affects their lives," says O'Neill. "We cannot have a healthy democracy, and women cannot pursue equal rights, if we are uninformed on the issues. The media have a responsibility to serve the public interest and ensure that all voices are heard."

Stand up for media democracy—women cannot continue to make progress without it. Please send a letter to the FCC.

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