Say the word “policy,” and people often tune out. But it's policy – especially federal policy made in Washington – that shapes our media system.

For years, media policymaking has been a closed process, made in the public's name but without our informed consent. Big Media companies have used their massive lobbying power to influence Congress and the Federal Communications Commission -- the government agency that regulates media in the United States -- while citizens have largely been shut out of policy debates.

Free Press is making sure the American people have a seat at the table when important policy decisions are being made. Below you'll find our top media policy priorities.

Internet Policy

A high-speed, or "broadband," Internet connection is becoming a basic public necessity, just like water, gas or electricity. Free Press is working to promote policies to ensure all Americans have access to fast, affordable and open Internet. Issues relating to the future of the Internet include:

• Net Neutrality
  
• Universal Broadband
  
• Spectrum Allocation

Media Ownership Policy

Reckless and unchecked media consolidation has eliminated ownership opportunities for women and minorities and led to the decline of quality journalism and the loss of local and independent voices. Free Press works to block further media concentration while supporting efforts to expand diversity of ownership and ensure that media operate in the public interest. Media ownership issues include:

• Media Consolidation
• Cross Ownership
• Diversity in Ownership
• Ownership at the FCC

Public Media Policy

The public media sector includes public broadcasting, low power FM and community radio stations, public access TV and independent publications. Free Press seeks to promote and expand the viability of noncommercial media, which play a vital role in our media landscape and in our democracy. Learn about:

• Funding for Public Broadcasting
  
• Low Power FM
  
• PEG/Public Access TV
  
• Postal Rates

Cable Policy

Most Americans subscribe to cable television, making cable an important source of news, information and programming for millions of people across the country. Issues relating to cable policy include:

• Cable Programming
  
• Cable Ownership
  
• PEG/Public Access TV