Kerry to FCC: We Weren’t Bluffing
In a guest post, Sen. John Kerry talks about next steps in the fight to stop Big Media and overturn the FCC’s decision to allow the largest media companies to swallow up more local newspapers and TV stations. Join the conversation in the comments section below. Then take action.
As the community here knows better than anyone — last December FCC Chairman Kevin Martin rammed through a rules change to allow further consolidation of the media market. This change was opposed by just about everyone outside of the few media companies it would benefit – public criticism was overwhelming and the Senate Commerce Committee went on record opposing it. We held a hearing just days before the scheduled FCC vote, and I warned Martin that moving ahead with the vote would have real consequences.
| Kerry Challenges Martin |
We weren’t bluffing.
Tomorrow afternoon the Commerce Committee will consider a bill that will be the start of those consequences. The resolution (S.J. Res 28, if you’d like to follow it), introduced by Byron Dorgan, condemns the rule and nullifies its effect. Basically, it tosses the rule out. I’ll be there to deliver another message to Martin: moving ahead with a rule in defiance of congressional intent and against the will of the people is not the way to do business in a democracy.
The Chairman had every opportunity to delay this rule so that the Commission could carefully consider how further consolidation might impact access to local content as well as the rapidly decreasing number of minority owned media outlets. After all, the FCC’s own reports indicated that not enough data exists on these issues to make an informed decision. Instead, we had a rush to judgment on the flimsiest of pretexts, claiming the rule was needed because the newspaper industry is in need of a lift. Well, it may very well need a lift, but the newspaper industry isn’t even regulated by the FCC, so I’m not sure why Chairman Martin considers that a valid reason for Commission action. Especially in the face of so much public opposition and against direct congressional intent.
Tomorrow, we’ll take a step toward making this rule null and void. But that’s not all we’re going to do. I’ll continue to push on all fronts to make sure the FCC is working for the American people – not just looking out for a couple of big media conglomerates. Back in December I sent a letter with Senator Obama stating our intention to deny funds for the implementation of the rule, and that option remains on the table.
I’ll check back in after tomorrow’s meeting to let you know what progress we’ve made.
[…] that bill will take the next step as it comes up for a vote in the Senate Commerce Committee. As John Kerry explains, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin rushed these new rules through the FCC, handing […]
April 1st, 2008 at 2:42 pmSen. Kerry,
It is encouraging to see so much leadership in the Commerce Committee on this issue. What is your sense for the way this issue is perceived by your colleagues in the rest of the Senate?
I worry that the FCC’s talking points - asserting that this is nothing more than a modest change in the rules - is swaying people. The waivers the FCC has already given as part of their Dec. 18th rule change are evidence that this will have implications for communities well beyond the top 20 media markets - how can we be sure that the full Senate understands the deeply flawed nature of this rule change?
Thanks for reaching out to people on this forum.
JStearns
April 1st, 2008 at 3:37 pmNorthampton, MA
Dear Senator Kerry,
Thank you for your leadership and your protection of the American people through a clear and simple statement of the facts, which directly contradict what some might say are the FCC’s attempts at obscuring clear evidence.
Sincerely,
April 1st, 2008 at 10:54 pmJHull
Atlanta, GA
Senator Kerry:
We applaud your leadership on this issue. The FCC decision last year grandfathered or waived in Media General co-ownership arrangements in Tampa and Panama City, as well as Tribune Company holdings in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami.
Time magazine once praised Florida for having “The Best Newspapers Underthe Sun.” Cross-ownerships are reducing newsroom staffs here, threatening that proud traditon, and lessening the amounts of local TV news coverage provided by other stations in the those markets.
Congress should reverse the FCC decision.
Sincerely,
Mark A. Hart
April 2nd, 2008 at 9:56 amTampa, Fla.
Senator Kerry,
It is admirable to see you defending citizens in light of the public interest. You have taken a leadership role in protecting the public, and hopefully others will follow suit. It is important that these issues are brought to a round table discussion that is accessible by many.
I am a senior at UMass, and a communications major, and these issues are very important to me. Please continue the fight for a democratic media.
M.A. Petti
April 3rd, 2008 at 9:14 amNorthampton, MA
Senator Kerry,
I live in Chicago, and as you no doubt know, Chicago is home to the Tribune Company, which has been among the leading advocates of increased media concentration– precisely because the company has banked its future on the evisceration of media ownership rules.
I’ve been particularly active on the issue with the group Chicago Media Action — tesifying at the FCC hearing last year in Chicago, and at the 2003 Midwest Hearing on Media Ownership. Chicago Media Action has also organized public protests against these rule changes, including one in Tribune Plaza, one when former FCC chair Michael Powell had visited Chicago, and this past December with a public singalong in front of the Tribune Tower.
My thanks for your work on the issue of media concentration. I was particularly impressed by your past questioning of Commissioner Kevin Martin. I encourage you to continue your work in this regard, and I look forward to your continuing work.
Sincerely,
April 6th, 2008 at 11:55 pmMitchell Szczepanczyk
Chicago, IL