Maine Wants More Local Media Owners
Posted June 29th, 2007 by Jen Howard
Yesterday, hundreds attended an official FCC localism hearing to express their frustration with the dwindling number of locally owned radio and television stations.
 Portland Speaks Out |
“I can remember when our newspapers, radio and TV stations were locally owned,” said Elery Keene of Winslow, Maine, one of dozens who signed up to testify. “I could talk to the owners personally, and they had a vested interest in the welfare of our community. The owners of our mega media systems do not. I appeal to the FCC to fix this broken system.”
In exchange for their free use of the public airwaves, radio and TV broadcasters are required by the FCC to air programming that is relevant and responsive to the local community’s needs.
“Tonight we continue a truly remarkable grassroots dialogue about the future of our media,” said Commissioner Michael Copps. “And I hope there will be some discussion about the future of low-power radio and television, because in an age of consolidation, they are often the last bastions for media diversity and media democracy.”
All three of the major TV network affiliates in Portland were locally owned until a decade ago, when out-of-state companies Hearst-Argyle, Sinclair and Gannett snapped up the stations — and there is just one remaining local radio station owner on Portland’s commercial radio dial.
“Frankly, the FCC has failed to protect the interests of the American people,” said Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein. ” The end result is that today many stations are unattended and operated from remote locations; residents are discouraged from monitoring a station’s performance; and dialogue between the station and its community is too often non-existent.”
The commissioners listened to hours of citizen concerns about the quality of local news and programming, lack of diversity over the airwaves, and numerous presentations from local broadcasters.
“After the Telecom Act of 1996, half of the radio stations in the Midcoast area became Clear Channel properties — operated by strangers a long way from Main Street,” said panelist Chellie Pingree, former president of Common Cause and Maine state legislator. “This story could be repeated across Maine and across the country. I believe that there is much damage to be undone.”
A broad coalition of local and national groups worked to increase public awareness of the Portland event.
To listen to the hearing, visit www.stopbigmedia.com/=portland.
