Hard-hitting journalism is nearing extinction on television, and the Federal Communications Commission just threw another shovelful of dirt on its grave when it recently ruled [1] that Rupert Murdoch's broadcast of TMZ and Pat Robertson's 700 Club meet the test for "a bona fide newscast." Bona fide newscast? You tell me:

Watch the video [2]

Here's why the FCC decision matters. According to a Pew study, hold the FCC and Big Media accountable [3], and by actively supporting the visionary work of using the Internet to fundamentally transform our media system.

And transform it we can. Television will soon be delivered by a digital Internet connection. Televisions and computers are morphing into the same product. And policies are being crafted today (literally) in Congress that will shape the Internet for generations. Policies that will determine whether a cartel of phone and cable companies turn the Internet into their own fiefdom, or whether every Web site will be able to become a television or radio network, breaking open access and distribution of media content for generations.

The policies being made in Washington right now are that simple and that profound. And the more people understand it and get involved [4], the more likely it is that we will have a media that holds government and corporations accountable, and less vulnerable to the whims of Rupert Murdoch and Pat Robinson.