Do you want the media to do a better job of covering issues you care
about? Do you want more quality journalism? Are you wondering whether
a few giant media conglomerates will provide the diverse and
independent viewpoints you need?
Media consolidation hurts all of us. Allowing big media to
consolidate and grow even larger would strip local newsroom staff,
reduce the amount of accessible local news and ultimately limit
consumer choice.
Six corporations already control most of what we see on television
and Clear Channel has already gobbled up more than 1,000 radio
stations across the country.
The Federal Communications Commission is trying to change the rules
so that a handful of Big Media companies can swallow up even more
local newspapers, radio stations and TV stations. Now is your chance
to tell the FCC that you won't stand for more media consolidation.
On December 11th, all five FCC Commissioners will be in Nashville, to
hear from you about how media consolidation affects their
communities.
This hearing is free and open to the public and will feature an open
microphone session for you tell the FCC how the media are serving
your community. Although the hearing begins at 1pm, it will last well
into the evening please come when you can! If you are able, we're
asking that folks get in line to testify at the event at 10am, to be
sure that our voices are heard.
We need active and civically engaged citizens in Nashville to help us
spread the word. Go to
http://cu.convio.net/Nashville to find out
how you can help!
Need help preparing your testimony? Workshops are free and open to
the public:
Wednesday, Dec. 6th, 7p.m.
Film Screening: Before the Music Dies
The Belcourt Theatre
2102 Belcourt Avenue
Contact: Hannah Sassaman: 267-970-4007
Thursday, Dec. 7th, 7:30p.m.
Nashville Peace and Justice Center
1016 18th Ave S
Contact: Amanda Ballantyne: 612-849-0195
Saturday, Dec. 9th, 2p.m.
Nashville Peace and Justice Center
1016 18th Ave S
Contact: Amanda Ballantyne: 612-849-0195
Do you have time to help us get the word out? Are you available on
Friday, Dec. 8 or Saturday Dec. 9 in the evening? We're looking for a
few good volunteers who can help us call our friends and allies in
the Mid South to encourage them to come. If you can spare a couple of
hours, please contact Joel Kelsey from Consumer's Union:
joel.j.kelsey@gmail.com.
So my question is, what does Consumer's Union care about "Big Media"? There is something not making sense here. For starters, the media have less influence now, in the internet age, than ever. Look at how many stories in BM got the wind knocked out of them in the blogosphere. So all the concern about consolidation etc makes no sense. Can someone help sort it out? Thanks.
