PUBLIC FORUM ON FCC MEDIA OWNERSHIP RULES
at USC's
SAVE THE
DATE!
SPREAD THE WORD!
The FCC (Federal Communications Commission), under the leadership of Michael
Powell, has been contemplating the elimination of all remaining media ownership
limits, clearing the way for even more media consolidation. Powell claims that
there is little evidence that the current rules serve the public interest. The
good news is that Congressional and public pressure against this is building.
Over the past few months the FCC took public comment on this issue and received
an unprecedented number of letters and email messages from the public, media
outlets and organizations. The majority of comments expressed opposition to scrapping
remaining ownership limits.
Commissioner, Michael Copps, has urged his colleagues
to provide more opportunities for public input. So far, the FCC has responded
with one official forum, which will be held on Feb. 27 in
More information on the Forum's panelists and how it can be seen or heard
remotely etc will be available shortly. In the meantime I've included
some background information below, including some articles attached. I hope you
can participate by publicizing the forum and by attending.
Martha
Wallner / Media
[log in to unmask]
USC's
announcement:
On February 18, USC will host a forum on proposed Federal Communication
Commission changes to current rules governing media ownership. FCC
commissioners, including Chairman Michael Powell, have been invited and are
expected to participate, along with leaders from industry, labor, and the academic
community. USC Annenberg's Center for Communication Law and Policy,
operated in partnership with the USC School of Law, is
sponsoring the forum, which is open to the public. Center director Sandra Ortiz
was quoted in a January 15 Los Angeles Times article, expressing concern about
the impact the proposed rules changes may have on local communities. "When
local broadcast news programs disappear or fail to meet their community's
needs, the public's 1st Amendment rights are compromised,"
she said.
For more info from USC call (213)821-3015 or [log in to unmask]
For
excellent information and breaking news on this issue see these websites:
http://www.mediatank.org/
http://www.mediachannel.org/
http://www.democraticmedia.org/issues/mediaownership/index.html
Associate Professor
Department of Communication
Norman OK 73019
405 325 1570