Musicians Take to Stage to Lobby Against New Media Ownership Rules

Musicians Take to Stage to Lobby Against New Media Ownership Rules
By Sharon Theimer Associated Press Writer
Published: Nov 11, 2003




WASHINGTON (AP) - Balladeer Woody Guthrie sang of the hardscrabble life of America's poor in the 1930s. Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger protested the war in Vietnam. Contemporary musicians have come together for hunger relief in Africa and aid to American farmers.

In the latest version of musical efforts to promote social consciousness and challenge the government, some rock, blues and country artists have embarked on a tour to fight changes in federal rules governing ownership of newspapers, television and radio stations.

Billy Bragg, Lester Chambers, Steve Earle and other artists on the "Tell Us the Truth Tour" contend the rules from the Federal Communications Commission will make it harder for many performers to get airtime. The musicians are making their case in song in a tour that began Friday in Madison, Wis., and ends Nov. 24 in Washington.

The tough part, says British folk-rock artist Bragg, may be find a way to work "Federal Communications Commission" into any of his lyrics. (snip/...)

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAGQXILVMD.html

the FCC's ruling is that they wanted to continue to hold it over the media giants for leverage?

I don't buy that they held off on signing this one because of all the public disapproval. Since when have they cared what the citizens of this country wanted?

check it out

Got my ticket the minute they went on sale. Janeane Garofalo is MC'ing at the show, too. How cool is that?

I just saw them in Madison this past weekend. They put on a great show!

This is posted on Steve's website..
http://www.steveearle.com/

Nov 11 2003 ROYAL OAK MI (US) Royal Oak Theater "Tell Us The Truth" Tour
Nov 12 2003 INDIANAPOLIS IN (US) The Vogue "TELL US THE TRUTH" TOUR
Nov 14 2003 Nashville TN (US) Belcourt Theatre "Tell Us The Truth" Tour
Nov 15 2003 ASHEVILLE NC (US) The Orange Peel "Tell Us The Truth" Tour
Nov 16 2003 ATLANTA GA (US) Variety Playhouse "TELL US THE TRUTH" TOUR
Nov 17 2003 Tampa FL (US) Tampa Theatre - WMNF "Tell Us The Truth" Tour
Nov 19 2003 Miami FL (US) People's Gala For Global Justice "Tell Us The Truth" Tour
Nov 21 2003 GLENSIDE PA (US) Keswick Theatre "Tell Us The Truth" Tour
Nov 22 2003 New York NY (US) Webster Hall "TELL US THE TRUTH" TOUR
Nov 23 2003 Boston MA (US) Berklee Performance Center "TELL US THE TRUTH" TOUR
Nov 24 2003 WASHINGTON DC (US) 9:30 Club

(sung to School House Rock's "Conjunction Junction")

Commission Ommission what's your Mission?
To make it hard for all to state their minds!
Commission Ommission what's your Mission?
Shut up, shut up! We're the only ones who get to decide!