FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: June 30, 2010
Contact: Liz Rose, Communications Director, 202-265-1490 x 32

WASHINGTON – Today, 150 nonprofit and allied organizations sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission supporting the agency’s efforts to protect the open Internet. A diverse group of organizations, including Free Press, NTEN, NOW, ColorofChange.org, Miles for Cystic Fibrosis and Helping Hands Pet Rescue, signed the letter.

“We are pleased that so many organizations are lending their voice to this important issue that affects all organizations, large and small,” said Free Press Associate Outreach Director Misty Perez Truedson. “The open Internet is vital to reaching members and activists and is invaluable as a medium for civic engagement. There is growing momentum to counter big phone and big cable lobbying efforts and to put consumers first.”

“Not-for-profit organizations and small startups need the Internet to succeed. If phone and cable companies are left to decide winners and losers online, then only those with money will be able to participate,” NTEN Executive Director Holly Ross said. “Without Net Neutrality, some of the most well-known nonprofits would not be able to carry out their missions.”

The letter also expresses support for the FCC’s efforts to reclassify broadband transmission as a telecommunications service. The letter reads, “…we urge the FCC to take action now to classify broadband transmission as a telecommunications service and affirmatively safeguard the free flow of information and ideas online.”

If you run a nonprofit or a business and want to sign on to the letter, please visit: https://freepress.actionkit.com/cms/view_by_page_id/1132/

For a copy of the letter with current signatories: http://www.freepress.net/resource/non-profit-letter-support-open-internet

Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Free Press does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media and universal access to communications.