https://secure.freepress.net/site/Advocacy?id=243

04/22/08 Update:

I received the following in reply to my email to Senator Obama regarding big media ownership.

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Dear Michael:

Thank you for your letter regarding media ownership.  I agree with you that we must ensure a diversity of viewpoints in the broadcasting industry. 

Our nation’s media was built on the strength of independent voices.  It concerns me that as media conglomerates grow, these voices are increasingly stifled by the bottom line of large companies and cookie-cutter broadcast formats.  For this reason, on October 22, 2007, I wrote a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin J. Martin, calling on him to launch an independent review panel to develop proposals to further promote media ownership diversity.  You can view this letter here.

In 2003, the FCC approved new rules that would have accelerated the consolidation of large media outlets.  The rules would have allowed one company to own up to three television stations, the cable system, the local newspaper, and eight radio stations in a single media market.  The FCC approved these rules by a vote of 3 to 2 in a process that was criticized for a lack of public involvement (the FCC held only one hearing on this issue). 

As a result of a groundswell of bipartisan opposition to these changes, the Senate passed a resolution to roll back the new rules by a bipartisan vote of 55 to 40.  In 2004 a federal court threw out the rules and required the FCC to begin the process of creating new media ownership rules.

Following an insufficient review, in December, 2007, the FCC adopted new ownership rules which promote greater media market consolidation.  This allows large media outlets to become larger, potentially cutting out small business, women and minority-owned firms. Minority owned and operated newspapers and radio stations play an important role in the African American and Latino communities and help bring minority issues to the forefront of our national dialogue.  However, the FCC has failed to recognize the vital role these outlets play in our democracy and has not done enough to further the goals of diversity in the media.

I am proud to be an original cosponsor of S. 2332, the Media Ownership Act.  This legislation promotes transparency in the adoption of new media ownership rules by the FCC, and establishes an independent panel to make recommendations on how to increase the representation of women and minorities in broadcast media ownership.  I will urge my colleagues to push forward legislation that ensures any changes will be evaluated and modified in a transparent and inclusive process, and fully takes into account the interests of our women and minority-owned outlets, and communities.

Again, thank you for contacting me.  I hope you will stay in touch. 



Sincerely,



Barack Obama
United States Senator


P.S. Our system does not allow direct response to this email. However, if you would like to contact me again, please use the form on the website: [Link is Broken]

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04/28/08 Update:

I received the following in reply to my email to Senator Durbin regarding our country’s media consolidation.

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April 25, 2008


Mr. Michael Legel
22023 Allentown Rd.
Tremont, IL 61568

Dear Mr.  Legel:

Thank you for contacting me regarding media consolidation.  I appreciate hearing from you and understand your concern that consolidation of media outlets could be harmful to the diversity of programming.

Historically, the FCC has limited cross-ownership of television, radio, and newspaper outlets.  Over the last 20 years, these restrictions have been weakened and powerful media conglomerates have purchased more and more local and national media outlets.

In 2003, a U.S.  Court of Appeals ruled that the FCC had not provided sufficient justification for media ownership limits.  This ruling prompted the FCC to perform a full review of ownership regulations.  On December 18, 2007, the FCC concluded its review and adopted a rule loosening media cross-ownership restrictions.  Although the ruling will likely be appealed, the new rule is scheduled to take effect on March 24th.

I am a cosponsor of the Media Ownership Act of 2007 (S.  2332).  This legislation would require the FCC to extend its consideration of cross-ownership rules and study the effects cross-ownership will have on the local programming and media diversity.  It also would direct the FCC to promote local programming and content in television and radio broadcasting and in newspapers.  The Senate Commerce Committee recently approved this measure, and it now awaits consideration by the full Senate.

The media serves as an important source of news and entertainment for millions of Americans, and concerns about the potentially harmful effects of media consolidation are legitimate.  The FCC’s media ownership rules should foster competition, diversity, and local control, not simply ratify corporate consolidation.  I will keep your concerns in mind as the Senate considers this issue further.

Thank you again for sharing your views.  Please feel free to keep in touch.


Sincerely,



Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
 

RJD/tf

P.S. If you are ever visiting Washington, please feel free to join Senator Obama and me at our weekly constituent coffee. When the Senate is in session, we provide coffee and donuts every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. as we hear what is on the minds of Illinoisans and respond to your questions. We would welcome your participation. Please call my D.C. office for more details.