Don't forget about media consolidation.....

http://www.stopbigmedia.com


What's at Stake


Big isn't always bad ? unless you're talking about the companies that dominate our country's media.

A handful of companies control most of what we see, hear and read every day. They own our TV stations, radio stations, newspapers, magazines, cable channels, movie studios, music labels ? even our favorite Internet sites.

Unchecked consolidation means that Big Media are getting even bigger, giving these firms more control over our news and information. Bottom line? Big Media are bad news ? for all of us.


What's So Bad about Big Media?

* Big Media fail local communities. Big Media companies get a sweet deal from the government. They get to use the public airwaves ? for free ? to make billions in profits. In exchange for this government handout, broadcasters are supposed to serve the public by offering quality programs that meet the needs of local communities. Instead, Big Media companies gut local newsrooms and ignore local issues.

* Big Media ignore diversity. Big Media have limited ownership opportunities for women and people of color, pushing them off the public airwaves and stifling vital voices. Coverage of issues that matter to people of color, women, the middle and working class, and rural communities has disappeared. The result? Media that fail to represent our nation's diversity.

* Big Media are bad for democracy. Democracy can't exist without an informed public. We rely on unbiased news from independent sources to stay informed and to hold our government accountable. But media consolidation means fewer sources of news, opinion and information. Instead of hard-hitting critical journalism, Big Media give us a junk diet of celebrity gossip and sensationalism.


Going from Bad to Worse

The Federal Communications Commission is considering sweeping changes to media ownership rules that would allow media conglomerates to swallow up more local radio and television stations and newspapers. That's too much media power in too few hands.
To find out more about the FCC's recently proposed rule change, click here.


Don't Like It? Do Something.

If we want better media, we need better media policies. It's time to promote local ownership, amplify minority voices, support quality journalism, and bring local artists, voices and viewpoints to the airwaves. The only way to stop Big Media is by getting organized in our communities and demanding our leaders in Washington start listening to the public instead of the industry lobbyists. Use this Web site to learn more about the issues and find out how you can get involved.

Racial and ethnic minorities make up
34 percent of the U.S. population
Yet they only own
7.7 percent of full-power radio stations
3.15 percent of television stations


The FCC's Dec. 18th decision to relax media ownership rules will make this situation even worse.
Tell Congress to Intervene»

:argh:

That he was forced into it by the GOPers?

This release was before the Dec 18th vote...which was ramroded through. Since then Sam Zell bought the Tribune Company...Mitten's Bain Capital is using Carlyle Group money to purchase Cheap Channel.