In June 2003, Kerry submitted this:
Kerry Seeks to Reverse FCC's "Wrongheaded Vote"
Commission Decision May Violate Laws Protecting Small Businesses; Kerry to File Resolution of Disapproval
Monday, June 2, 2003
WASHINGTON - Senator John Kerry today announced plans to file a "Resolution of Disapproval" as a means to overturn today's decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to raise media ownership caps and loosen various media cross-ownership rules.
Kerry will soon introduce the resolution seeking to reverse this action under the Congressional Review Act and Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act on the grounds that the decision may violate the laws intended to protect America's small businesses and allow them an opportunity to compete.
As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Kerry expressed concern that the FCC's decision will hurt localism, reduce diversity, and will allow media monopolies to flourish. This raises significant concerns about the potential negative impacts the decision will have on small businesses and their ability to compete in today's media marketplace.
In a statement released earlier today regarding the FCC's decision, Kerry said:
"Nothing is more important in a democracy than public access to debates and information, which lift up our discourse and give Americans an opportunity to make honest informed choices. Today's wrongheaded vote by the Republican members of the FCC to loosen media ownership rules shows a dangerous indifference to the consolidation of power in the hands of a few large entities rather than promoting diversity and independence at the local level. The FCC should do more than rubber stamp the business plans of narrow economic interests.
"Today's vote is a complete dereliction of duty. The Commissioners are well aware that these rules greatly influence the competitive structure of the industry and protect the public's access to multiple sources of information and media. It is the Commission's responsibility to ensure that the rules serve our national goals of diversity, competition, and localism in media. With today's vote, they shirked that responsibility and have dismissed any serious discussion about the impact of media consolidation on our own democracy."
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We all know how the corporate media reacted (and still do) and how they circled the wagons for the Bushboy. Dan Rather has recently admitted that corporate media NEEDED Bush in office for legislation that would favor them.
Now, Obama is joining Kerry and speaking out against the loosening of media ownership.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1107/6758.htmlMedia consolidation silences diverse voices
By: Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John F. Kerry
Nov 7, 2007 07:39 PM EST
The bedrock of America’s greatest advances — the foundation of what we know today are defining values — was formed not by cheering on things as they were, but by taking them on and demanding change.
The thoughtful exchange of diverse viewpoints not only helps guarantee our freedom as individuals, it ensures those in power can be held accountable for all that they do.
But to engage in the debates that have always made America stronger, it takes a stage and a platform for discussion — and never before have these platforms been more endangered.
In recent years, we have witnessed unprecedented consolidation in our traditional media outlets. Large mergers and corporate deals have reduced the number of voices and viewpoints in the media marketplace.
At the same time, massive technological change and an explosion of Internet access have opened new avenues for information and new methods of discourse. One thing we can be sure of: Change is upon us.
As we look toward the future, we must ensure that all voices in our diverse nation have the opportunity to be heard. One important way to do this is to expand the ownership stake of women-owned, minority-owned and small businesses in our media outlets.
History provides plenty of proof.
Minority-owned radio stations, television stations and newspapers played an essential role in battling segregation during the civil rights movement.
When Hurricane Katrina struck, minority-owned media outlets helped expose the true depth of poverty and inequality that others were content to ignore.
Even today, while much of the media establishment has moved on, minority-owned media outlets continue to highlight these issues as the victims of that storm continue to struggle — two years later.
Just recently, African-American radio stations — together with coverage on the Internet — helped propel the injustice in Jena, La., into the national spotlight.
Providing opportunities for minority-owned businesses to own media outlets is fundamental to creating the diverse media environment that federal law requires and the country deserves and demands.
The Federal Communications Commission is the agency charged with governing the media. The FCC has an obligation to promote the public interest, including diversity in media ownership.
Unfortunately, the FCC has failed to adequately assess the state of minority-owned media or develop constructive ways to encourage underrepresented entities to become larger players in the media landscape.
Now we understand the FCC may soon consider changes in the media ownership rules that only help big media get bigger, but do nothing to make media more responsive to minority viewpoints and local communities.
The FCC tried this once before, in 2003. At that time, the nation’s top broadcasters met behind closed doors with FCC officials more than 70 times. But the public was not invited. After the proposed rules were announced, a major public backlash ensued.
It has taken the FCC — still smarting from that public reaction — four years to try again. This time, any changes to the media ownership rules must encourage new entrants into the market and prioritize the entry of small, women- and minority-owned businesses.
Last year, we urged FCC Chairman Kevin Martin to address the issue of diversity in media ownership.
Several other leaders in Congress — including Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, Rep. Hilda L. Solis of California and Rep. John Conyers Jr. of Michigan — have also pressed the FCC to stop allowing greater corporate consolidation and start promoting media diversity. But our questions went unanswered, and our concerns continue to grow.
If the FCC chairman chooses to reopen media ownership rules, he must take into consideration the needs of local or minority communities.
If this is done improperly, more radio stations, television stations and newspapers will fall into the hands of fewer owners and those owners are less likely to include minority firms. It means that fewer minority- and independently owned stations and newspapers will be able to contribute to the national dialogue.
Today the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on these issues, and we ask our colleagues to take this opportunity to have an open and honest debate on this important subject.
For too long now, the FCC has been putting corporate interests ahead of the people’s interests. It’s time for that to change.
We need to not only create the opportunity for minority-owned businesses to participate in the market, but also to help those who enter this business succeed. We will keep fighting until we have a free and open media that represents every American in our diverse nation.
Barack Obama is a senator from Illinois and a Democratic presidential candidate. John F. Kerry, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, is a senator from Massachusetts and was the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee.
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