Kerry, Obama Call on FCC to Address Media Ownership Diversity
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Printable FormatFor Immediate Release: July 20, 2006
Contacts:
Kathryn Seck (Kerry), 202-224-9431
Robert Gibbs or Tommy Vietor (Obama), (202) 228-5511
Kerry, Obama Call on FCC to Address Media Ownership Diversity
WASHINGTON - Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.) called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to immediately address the issues of minority, women and small business media ownership before taking up a second review of wider media ownership rules.
In June 2004, the FCC issued a public notice seeking comment on ways to increase the number of minorities, women and small businesses who own media outlets. There has been no movement on this proceeding since. Senator Kerry and Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) were successful in attaching an amendment to the massive telecommunications reform bill recently considered by the Senate Commerce Committee requiring the FCC to move forward with its proceeding to expand media ownership diversity.
In a letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, Kerry and Obama requested that the agency address the issue now and not wait for the telecommunications bill to become law.
"We urge prompt completion of the proceeding and...urge you to complete the proceeding before consideration of broader media consolidation issues begins in earnest," Kerry and Obama wrote. "The goals of promoting minority, women, and small business ownership in the communications industry are set forth in the Communications Act of 1934. ...Ensuring that such directives are accomplished is important to achieving a diverse media, particularly in an era of increased media concentration."
"Two years ago the FCC publicly committed itself to increasing minority, women and small business ownership, but they haven't moved an inch," said Kerry, top Democrat on the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and member of the Commerce Committee. "Further delay won't level the playing field for minority, women and small businesses trying to compete in the media industry. The diverse voices in our country should be in the game, not left on the sidelines."
Following is the text of the letter:
July 19, 2006
The Honorable Kevin J. Martin
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chairman Martin:
In June, 2004, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a public notice seeking comment on ways to increase minority, women, and small business media ownership. Since that time, the FCC has not taken further action in that proceeding.
You recently announced your intention for the FCC to move forward with a revision of media ownership rules. We strongly believe that the FCC should address the issues of minority and small business media ownership before taking up the wider media ownership issue. Doing so will inform the overall review of our media ownership landscape from a small business perspective.
As you are aware, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee recently completed consideration of comprehensive communications legislation. A Kerry/Nelson Amendment that requires the FCC to complete consideration of this proceeding before taking up wider media ownership issues was adopted. The Commerce Committee's unanimous acceptance of this provision should provide the FCC with sufficient incentive to advance and complete this rulemaking -- whether or not broader communications legislation is considered by the full Senate this year.
The goals of promoting minority, women, and small business ownership in the communications industry are set forth in the Communications Act of 1934. For example, under Section 309 the FCC is directed to promote opportunities for minorities, women, and small businesses. Ensuring that such directives are accomplished is important to achieving a diverse media, particularly in an era of increased media concentration.
We urge prompt completion of the proceeding and, as our Amendment directs, urge you to complete the proceeding before consideration of broader media consolidation issues begins in earnest. Thanks you for your consideration, we look forward to hearing from you.
John F. Kerry
Barack Obama