FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: July 22, 2003
Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Robert McChesney
217-344-2545

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Today the House overwhelmingly passed the Commerce Justice State appropriations bill. This represents a tremendous victory for the broad coalition working for a roll back of the FCC media ownership rule changes. Phones rang steadily on Capitol Hill during a massive call-in campaign by public interest groups Free Press, MoveOn.org, Consumers Union, Common Cause, and FAIR before the House decided to roll back the national television cap, and delivered an unexpectedly strong vote for the Hinchey/Price amendment to roll back all of the recent FCC rules.


According to the FCC, 2.3 million Americans have registered their opposition to the FCC's rules. A recent Pew poll shows that of Americans who follow the issue, only 6% support the FCC's actions. "One could almost make the argument that more Americans would want to see Osama bin Laden's face on Mount Rushmore than have a few media conglomerates own more and more of our media" said Free Press president and professor Robert W. McChesney.


Strategic disagreements amongst Democrats cost the Hinchey/Price amendment votes, but the 174 votes — including 34 Republicans — sent a clear message to the Senate that there is support in the House for a substantive roll-back of the FCC rules. Efforts are underway to work out the tactical differences amongst Democrats.


McChesney continues, "After years in which media companies have rolled their agenda over Congress with few objections, a steady pounding of public pressure is changing the course of Congress. Members understand that a diverse and independent media is the foundation of our democracy."


Activists are now watching the Commerce, Justice, State appropriations bill in the Senate, which will likely come to the floor in September. It is expected that the Senate bill will have amendments blocking the national TV cap, cross ownership and possibly the duopoly rule. Then negotiations will begin in the House-Senate conference committee. Also in play is a 'resolution of disapproval', led by Senator Dorgan, which currently has enough support in the Senate for passage.

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.