Majority Oppose Consolidation at Packed Seattle Hearing

By Jonathan Lawson, Reclaim the Media

On Thursday, Nov. 30, over 400 people packed into the auditorium of Seattle’s downtown library for a public hearing on the FCC’s media ownership regulations. FCC Commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein presided over the event, which opened with comments from Congressman Jay Inslee.

The bulk of the nearly four-hour hearing was devoted to public testimony; a wide range of community members came ready to voice their concerns about the impact of consolidated ownership on quality journalism, viewpoint diversity, and citizen access to the airwaves and electronic media platforms.

Testimony at the Seattle hearing overwhelmingly supported maintaining — or strengthening — the FCC’s current media ownership rules. Speakers included local musicians, commercial and noncommercial radio broadcasters, labor representatives, journalists, public servants and peace activists.

For those who were not able to participate in the Seattle FCC hearing, the FCC will continue accepting written comments on media ownership through Dec. 21. Together, we must continue to demonstrate massive public support for sensible, democratic media regulation. If we keep the pressure on the FCC (and, if necessary, Congress), we will win.

Reclaim the Media will submit all oral testimony from Nov. 30 to the FCC’s official record, along with hundreds of written comments collected from Washington residents since early fall. Complete transcripts of all Nov. 30 testimony will also be posted on Reclaim the Media soon.

Click here for complete audio from the Seattle hearing.

Click here for a roundup of media coverage.

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