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Today in Congress

 

news release
from

BARNEY FRANK

September 6, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Steven Adamske (202) 225.7141
 

FRANK:  COMCAST SHOULD REINSTATE TOWN LINE NEWS

Congressman writes letter to Comcast on their decision to end local news program

            Washington, DC—Congressman Barney Frank yesterday sent a letter of concern to Comcast on their decision to end Comcast Town Line News in Southeastern Massachusetts.  The text of Mr. Frank’s letter follows:

September 5, 2006

Mr. Kevin Casey
Northern Division President, Comcast
676 Island Pond Road
Manchester, New Hampshire 03109

Dear Mr. Casey,

I was appalled to learn of the decision to end the local news in Southeastern Massachusetts – I represent nearly the entire area that was covered by the Comcast Town Line News, and I cannot exaggerate the extent to which I am deeply troubled by your decision.

I have consistently found this news coverage to be one of the most important sources of information for the people of Southeastern Massachusetts about those matters that concern them.  The tendency of people who make money from media franchises to do less and less to inform the citizenry about matters that affect their lives and about which they should be informed so they can vote intelligently is an outrageous assault on democracy.  Frankly, as someone who has strongly supported the notion of freedom of the press, and who has for example particularly resisted the notion that cable should be covered by some of the restrictions that we now apply to broadcast, I find your action to be as serious an assault on the values embodied in the First Amendment as could even have come from government.  I strongly urge you to reconsider and to reinstate the local news.  I must tell you that as you and your colleagues approach me on matters affecting federal legislation dealing with your industry, this decision will be a very significant obstacle for you to overcome in your efforts to persuade me of the merits of your views.

BARNEY FRANK

 

 

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