Tribune, CBS, Fox and NBC appeal to Supreme Court in media ownership case

[truthpusher]

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/business/10780204.htm

Posted on Mon, Jan. 31, 2005

Tribune, CBS, Fox and NBC appeal to Supreme Court in media ownership case

Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Chicago-based Tribune Co. and the parent companies of CBS, Fox and NBC have asked the Supreme Court to restore the government's sweeping new media ownership rules, which have been thrown out by a lower court.

The big media companies contend the new Federal Communications Commission rules easing ownership restrictions are necessary because the old regulations, crafted decades ago, hamper their ability to grow and compete in a market that now includes cable television, satellite broadcasting and the Internet.

But supporters of the new rules acknowledge they were dealt a setback last week after the Justice Department, in consultation with the FCC, decided not to file its own appeal to the Supreme Court. The Bush administration did not explain its decision.

In question is a ruling by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia last June that struck down the commission's new media ownership rules.

more:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/business/10780204.htm

[cry baby]

1. Money rules the world, makes people greedy...nevermind the

"greater good". I hope that sometime in the future there will be more restrictions, not less, so that a free press will keep the US a free country.

[98geoduck]

2. I wonder why AOL/CNN/Time/Warner isn't on the list....

Basking in the media opoly of media ocracy

[Roland99]

3. Does AOL/Time Warner own broadcast stations across the US?

I thought they were just CNN/CNN Headline news?

[aintitfunny]

4. I understand that they would appeal

I just hope the justices care more about their country then they do their political associations and reject the appeal. Probably Pie in the Sky on my part, but I can hope can't I?

[Liberty Belle]

5. This Supreme Court ruled against big media on at least 1 case.

Tasini vs. the NY Times: In 2000, the Court ruled in favor of Jonathan Tasini, a freelance writer and president of National Writers Union. The decision gave freelancers the right to sue and collect damages against giant media monopolies that have stolen articles and sold them to electronic databases like Nexis Lexis.

As a result of this case, there's a similar but much larger landmark class action case now in mediation now against multiple major newspapers and electronic databases. I know, because I'm one of the named plaintiffs who instigated the suit.

[aintitfunny]

6. Well Thank You

I cannot think of a more important issue as all things seem to derive from this.

[Liberty Belle]

8. So true. Too bad our press doesn't have the guts of

the Russian or Ukranian media. Check out my new post in LBN about a Russian paper's brilliant and funny response to a court-ordered retraction (part of a huge settlement that an international editors' association says was intended to suppress a free press).

[Supersedeas]

7. the "controversial issues" ban and ownership rules will not be televised

[Liberty Belle]

9. We must publicize it.

Call a group in your area. Offer to speak on media reform.

Not into public speaking?

Join a book club. Suggest "The Best Democracy Money Can Buy" or "Into the Buzzsaw" as great reading material. Then give everyone a Freepress.net packet on media reform.


Or hold a house party. Show "Orwell Rolls in his Grave" (I think that's about media issues; does anyone here know a better video on media?) Ask for donations for FAIR, Media Matters, or your favorite independent media source.

Offer to write articles for your local community paper. Free, if you must. Include both sides of the issues--what a refreshing thought! Or write editorials from a liberal perspective.

Publish your own flyers or newsletters. Pass them out everywhere.

Wear a button: "What free press? Ask me about media suppression."

Just a few suggestions, for starters.

[Supersedeas]

10. great suggestions M...your post is taped to my computer...ty