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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