Lot to Lose for Working People if FCC Approves More Media Consolidation

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2006/09/08/lot-to-lose-for-working-people-if-fcc-approves-more-media-consolidation/

Corporate Greed

Sep 8

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Lot to Lose for Working People if FCC Approves More Media Consolidation

We all know that for the most part, the corporate media falls far short of what constitutes good journalism. But what’s even more frightening: It could get worse.

In June, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took the first step to change media ownership regulations when it issued a “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.”

Last night in Milwaukee, the FCC held another in a series of town hall meetings on the proposed rule changes that would increase the number of television stations one company can own and allow one company to own TV stations, radio stations and the major daily newspaper in the same market.Last night in Milwaukee, the FCC held another in a series of town hall meetings on the proposed rule changes that would increase the number of television stations one company can own and allow one company to own TV stations, radio stations and the major daily newspaper in the same market.Some 300 people attended, along with commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein, the two Democratic FCC members on the five-member commission. The three Republican appointees to the FCC have not participated in any of the eight town hall-style meetings, according to Copps. In fact, a visit to the FCC homepage indicates no information on the schedule of town hall meetings—or even that they are taking place.

Last night in Milwaukee, the FCC held another in a series of town hall meetings on the proposed rule changes that would increase the number of television stations one company can own and allow one company to own TV stations, radio stations and the major daily newspaper in the same market.Some 300 people attended, along with commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein, the two Democratic FCC members on the five-member commission. The three Republican appointees to the FCC have not participated in any of the eight town hall-style meetings, according to . In fact, a visit to the homepage indicates no information on the schedule of town hall meetings—or even that they are taking place.Speaking at the Town Hall Meeting on the Future of Media Forum, organized in part by the media advocacy group, Free Press, Wisconsin State AFL-CIO President David Newby pointed out how the media frequently ignores issues of concern to working people. Newby said corporate media concentration

…crowds out contrary voices (and also tends toward greater exclusion of women and minorities in the industry.) The greater the concentration, the less the diversity. This has a significant impact on the labor movement. It is very difficult to get our message to the general public through corporate-controlled news media. For example, the impending NLRB ruling on the “Kentucky River” cases has immense potential impact on the right of 8 million workers to join unions, have the protection of a union contract.

An event to dramatize the situation was organized by the Milwaukee County Labor Council. All the elements for an interesting news story were there: It’s a serious issue that has gotten little attention plus dramatic visuals, such as folks in black robes and British-Style judicial wigs portraying the members of the NLRB who will be ruling on the case. Not one TV station covered it, let alone radio or Milwaukee’s one general circulation daily paper. Another example: The lack of reporting on labor and economic news that’s truly relevant to working people, who comprise almost all of the audience. There is a flurry around Labor Day and then, silence.

FULL article at link above.

[jimshoes]

1. Why are we seeing these monopolies

coming back nowadays. Didn't they get busted up back in the 70's? What is the reasoning they can do this now? And if the dems get back in, can we bust them up again?

[RangerSmith]

2. Man, it's just so hard to believe

"allow one company to own TV stations, radio stations and the major daily newspaper in the same market"

something like that could ever happen. Pitiful.