House Leadership Urged to Pass Similar Measure to Ensure Media Diversity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: September 16, 2003
Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kallee Kreider, 202-246-5295
Kawana Lloyd, 240-472-2860
Michelle Mulkey, 415-987-7377
Fenton Communications

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(Washington, DC) - In a bipartisan 55-40 vote, the Senate today rolled back highly contentious Federal Communications Commission rules that would allow major media conglomerates to own an even larger percentage of the nation's media and permit cross-ownership of newspapers and TV stations in most communities. It is now up to House leadership to pass a similar resolution to ensure that these relaxed rules - which Senators say would threaten media diversity and localism - are not enacted by the FCC.

"The Senate today clearly re-established the principle that separate ownership of dominant local newspapers and local broadcasters is essential to preserve the checks and balances against media bias that our democracy relies upon," said Gene Kimmelman, senior policy director for Consumers Union. "It's now time for federal regulators to listen to Congress and the public and revamp its rules to promote more competition and diversity in local news and information."

"This vote demonstrates the power of the grassroots," said Eli Pariser, campaign director for MoveOn.org. "In just two days last week, over 200,000 comments poured in from our members to the Senate. Between MoveOn, the NRA, and our other allies on this issue, millions of people have contacted Congress to voice their opposition. And now the Senate has demonstrated that it's listening."

This Senate vote comes on the heels of a Third Circuit Court ruling delaying implementation of the rules, a full House vote to prohibit the FCC from spending money next year to implement some of the new ownership rules and a vote by the Senate Appropriations Committee placing the same House spending restrictions on the commission.

In today's debate Senator McCain committed to bring S. 1046 to the floor for a vote, which would restore both the newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership rule and the national broadcast cap. Bipartisan opponents to the new FCC rule believe it is crucial to have as many opportunities as possible to challenge the June 2nd measure.

"These victories signal the importance of diverse, independent, and competitive media. Our coalition will not stop until these rules are defeated," said Josh Silver, managing director of Free Press.

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.