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WASHINGTON — Free Press pledged support for the bipartisan “Internet Radio Equality Act of 2007,” introduced Thursday by Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) to rescue Internet radio.

TALLAHASSEE — Consumer groups and local public access stations are urging Gov. Charlie Crist to veto the “Consumer Choice Act of 2007” — legislation that would eliminate long-standing consumer protections and local oversight of cable TV providers. This legislation, which passed the Florida Senate and House in late April, is now on the governor’s desk awaiting his decision.

WASHINGTON — The SavetheInternet.com Coalition today won two prestigious Webby awards in recognition of the historic grassroots campaign to protect Net Neutrality — the fundamental principle that prevents phone and cable companies from discriminating against online content based on its source, destination or ownership.

TAMPA, Fla. - More than 300 people attended the fourth official Federal Communications Commission hearing today at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center to speak out against media consolidation. Hours before the event started, local residents were arriving by the dozens, eager to sign up for their chance to testify.

Consumer, public interest, and labor groups today lauded a

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should be commended for taking the first procedural steps to help consumers by enabling high-speed Internet services to use the spectrum now occupied by television stations.

WASHINGTON — Backed by growing support on Capitol Hill and at the grassroots, the SavetheInternet.com Coalition marked its first anniversary today by renewing its call to make Net Neutrality the law of the land. The campaign was praised by leaders in Washington, who pledged to carry on the fight for Internet freedom in the halls of Congress.

WASHINGTON — All five Federal Communications Commissioners will meet face-to-face with the public at a hearing on April 30 in Tampa to discuss the local impact of sweeping changes to the nation’s media ownership rules.

WHAT: FCC Hearing on Media Ownership
WHEN: Monday, April 30, 2007, 4-11 p.m. ET
WHO: FCC Commissioners, local leaders, media representatives and concerned citizens
WHERE:

WASHINGTON — In testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee today, Free Press Policy Director Ben Scott urged lawmakers to pursue a comprehensive national broadband policy that will bring more broadband competition to American households.

WASHINGTON — New broadband data released today by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) shows that the United States now ranks 15th out of the 30 member nations in per capita broadband use — down from 12th place just six months ago and dropping from fourth place in 2001.