The Federal Communications commission on Monday voted by a strictly partisan 3-2 vote to expand media ownership rights.
The decision will allow big media corporations to own up to three TV stations, eight radio stations, one daily newspaper and one cable TV carrier in large markets.
This is one of the most important freedom-of-the-press rulings in history.
The media in America is already mostly controlled by a few large corporations – GE, Viacom, News Corporation and Clear Channel, to name a few. This decision is another deregulation endorsed by the Bush administration that will have a catastrophic impact on the American people.
A free press that represents diverse viewpoints is absolutely critical for a functioning democracy. By allowing big companies to own more media outlets in more markets, the number of varying viewpoints drops.
FCC chairman Michael K. Powell defended the decision saying monopolization of the media won’t happen. Powell’s father is Secretary of State Colin Powell, who before serving on the Bush administration was a board member of AOL Time Warner – a serious conflict of interest. Colin Powell’s son also supported the AOL-Time Warner merger that reportedly made Colin a cool $4 million.
Ted Turner – not exactly a small-time media mogul – has criticized the decision, saying it will make it harder for new or independent voices to be heard around the country.
The most disturbing part of this whole ugly situation is that is distinctly political. When the validity of the constitution is at stake, leaders can’t afford to play partisan politics. The three FCC commissioners who voted in favor of the decision are Republicans; the two that opposed it are Democrats.
More media outlets than ever are going to espouse the editorial viewpoint of large corporations rather than local concerns.
The American people deserve better. A media monopoly is the eventual result of this decision. More mergers, takeovers and acquisitions of TV stations, newspapers and radio stations will occur in the wake of this decision than ever before.
The nature of a free press demands that many viewpoints be heard. By enacting policy that will limit the number of voices in a market, the FCC has violated everything the First Amendment stands for.
Michael Powell and his cronies on the FCC who supported this decision are a disgrace. Their motives were purely political and will forever destroy the landscape of the American press – unless the congressmen fighting the decision win.
The decision will ensure that all news in the near future comes from the same sources. These few sources will be shaping the opinions and thoughts of far too many Americans. As the great Walter Lippman said, “When we all think alike, none of us thinks very much.”
The editorial board at The Lantern is a proud member of the American press. As concerned members of the media, this board asks the FCC to reverse this decision. We know we aren’t alone in this sentiment.
