May 14, 2003
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today joined colleagues in blasting the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) reported decision to deregulate media ownership rules so that a single company could own all media organizations – print, television, and radio – in any market. Current FCC rules protect against companies owning multiple organizations within a single market.
Earlier this year, Lee and 30 colleagues sent a letter to FCC Chairman Michael Powell demanding that the FCC not change media ownership rules. In May, Lee also sponsored a House resolution against media consolidation.
“Americans have a right to diverse sources of information,” Lee said. “Consolidation of the nation’s media into the hands of a few giant corporations threatens our fundamental right of free speech.”
“If we have massive consolidation of media ownerships, then the public loses on three fronts. We are likely to wind up with less local coverage, less diversity, and fewer viewpoints on our nation’s airwaves and in our papers. This is fundamentally anti-democratic.”
“With greater consolidation, artists, small businesses, and minority interests will pay the price, and the American public will suffer.”
“The FCC should not rush to judgment in secrecy in altering media ownership rules that will have a lasting impact on the American public."
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Congresswoman Barbara Lee Speaks Out Against Federal Communication Commission’s Reported Deregulation of Media Ownership Rules
Under new rules, a company could monopolize media outlets in a single market
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today joined colleagues in blasting the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) reported decision to deregulate media ownership rules so that a single company could own all media organizations – print, television, and radio – in any market. Current FCC rules protect against companies owning multiple organizations within a single market.
Earlier this year, Lee and 30 colleagues sent a letter to FCC Chairman Michael Powell demanding that the FCC not change media ownership rules. In May, Lee also sponsored a House resolution against media consolidation.
“Americans have a right to diverse sources of information,” Lee said. “Consolidation of the nation’s media into the hands of a few giant corporations threatens our fundamental right of free speech.”
“If we have massive consolidation of media ownerships, then the public loses on three fronts. We are likely to wind up with less local coverage, less diversity, and fewer viewpoints on our nation’s airwaves and in our papers. This is fundamentally anti-democratic.”
“With greater consolidation, artists, small businesses, and minority interests will pay the price, and the American public will suffer.”
“The FCC should not rush to judgment in secrecy in altering media ownership rules that will have a lasting impact on the American public."
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