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MEMPHIS — Riding a wave of unprecedented activism and interest around media issues, the 2007 National Conference for Media Reform — hosted by Free Press — will kick off this week in Memphis.

WHAT: 2007 National Conference for Media Reform
WHERE: Memphis Cook Convention Center, Memphis
WHEN: Jan. 12-14, 2007

MEMPHIS - On Jan. 12-14, nearly 2,500 people from across the country will flock to Memphis for the National Conference for Media Reform - for an extraordinary weekend event showcasing the growing movement to a more accountable, democratic and diverse media.

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission today approved the $85 billion merger of AT&T and BellSouth. In a victory for advocates of Internet freedom, the terms of the deal include strict protections for Network Neutrality and concessions that will lower the cost of Internet access.

WASHINGTON - In a letter of commitment filed with the Federal Communications Commission tonight, AT&T officials agreed to adhere to strict Network Neutrality and guarantee low-cost DSL access for 30 months if allowed to complete an $85 billion merger with BellSouth. Free Press, Consumers Union and Consumer Federation of America made the following statements:

WASHINGTON — In response to Commissioner Robert McDowell’s decision to recuse himself from voting on the proposed multibillion-dollar merger of AT&T and BellSouth, Free Press Executive Director Josh Silver made the following statement:

MEMPHIS — Thousands of activists, educators, policymakers and leaders in the rapidly growing movement to create a more diverse and democratic media system will gather in Memphis on Jan. 12-14 for the 2007 National Conference for Media Reform.

MEMPHIS — Thousands of activists, educators, policymakers and leaders in the rapidly growing movement to create a more diverse and democratic media system will gather in Memphis on Jan. 12-14 for the 2007 National Conference for Media Reform.

NASHVILLE — More than 500 Nashville residents joined country music legends at Belmont University’s Massey Performing Arts Center today to speak out against media consolidation. The event, the second official Federal Communications Commission hearing, gave the public a chance to tell the FCC how proposed changes to media ownership limits would adversely affect their lives and work.

NASHVILLE — A broad-based coalition of local and national groups is urging the public to turn out for the Federal Communications Commission’s second official hearing on sweeping changes to the nation’s ownership rules.

The FCC public hearing will take place:

Monday, Dec. 11
Hearing Starts at 1 p.m. — Public Testimony until 9 p.m.
Massey Performing Arts Center
Belmont University

WASHINGTON — Today, at the request of Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin, the FCC general counsel cleared Commissioner Robert McDowell to vote on the proposed merger of AT&T and BellSouth. McDowell earlier had recused himself due to conflicts of interest with lobbying work he did before joining the FCC.