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December 14, 2004
FCC commissioners address concerned media consumers
Two members of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) visited the university Dec. 9 to hear community debate on an FCC decision that loosened restrictions on media ownership.
Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, along with Jordan Goldstein, assistant to absent FCC Commissioner
Michael Copps, listened to statements from representatives of various media outlets, university professors and other concerned groups.
Ten panelists discussed before an overflow crowd in Sundin Hall the 2003 decision that allows one corporation to control all media in a community. This decision is now being reconsidered by the FCC, but it has still created outrage in some local communities.
“Rural audiences are no longer being adequately served,” said panelist Al Christopherson, president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau.
He said media consolidation has eliminated most of the agriculture news he used daily for his farming business, dropping the amount of on-air broadcasting by approximately 50 percent.
Rural audiences are not the only group that some fear will be ignored by large media conglomerates.
Panelist Lorena Duarte began her statement by speaking Spanish, to illustrate for the audience the effect media consolidation has on minority communities. She feels that minorities groups are subject to the same standards as other communities, without receiving the same representation.
Others were in support of looser restrictions.
Robert W. Hubbard, vice president of Hubbard Broadcasting and president of Hubbard Television, said the perspective of local community does not have to be lost when media consolidation occurs.
He said his company, which has branches in several major cities, promotes community issues by allowing local politicians free air time during prime time on his TV stations.
Ken Goldstein, from the University of Wisconsin, cautioned that there is not yet enough data on either side of the debate to determine whether or not media consolidation will effect individuals.
Goldstein paused while snickers silenced after he complimented the quality local news of the Twin Cities area. According to Goldstein, current research does not give strong evidence to either side.
FCC representatives said people are the best judges for positive decisions.
They encouraged the audience to take ownership of a governmental agency entrusted to be stewards of publicly owned airwaves.
“The decisions that we make really effect you,” Adelstein said. “The FCC should be your agency and fight on your behalf every step of the way.
“I know that you can make a difference, because you already have.”
Posted by msveum at December 14, 2004 10:31 AM