Among the 200 people who signed up to speak at an FCC hearing on media consolidation in Seattle last week were many who are convinced the Republican-controlled panel has already decided to loosen existing media ownership rules.
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, who was greeted with catcalls and boos at the meeting, wants a vote on changing ownership rules next month, reports the Seattle Times.
The FCC loosened some of those rules in 2003, enabling a company to own more than one type of media outlet in a local market. But the move was struck down by a federal appeals court.
Proponents say restrictions on media ownership aren’t an issue anymore because the Internet has given people access to more diverse media.
At the event, activists responded that media corporations were trying to restrict access to the Internet as well.
Source:
“Seattle crowd blasts FCC on big media”
Seattle Times, November 10, 2007
There are only 6 corporations that dominate the news and the points of view they want to convey permiate the networks already.
That one of these giants wants to own even more and the FCC is willing to allow them is just incredible to me. Not everyone has an computer so the access to alternative news the FCC talks about is a ghost. Wake up America. You are being dooped