Proposed changes in media ownership could limit free speech.

What:
Rep. Lynn Woolsey, in conjuction with FCC Commissioner Michael Copps, will moderate a discussion concerning proposed changes to federal media policy that will affect how all Americans receive news, information and entertainment.

When:
Monday, May 12, 2003
1:00 – 3:00 PM
****NOTE: ROOM CHANGE****
Angelico Hall
Dominican University of California, 50 Acacia Avenue, San Rafael

Who:
Rep. Lynn Woolsey
FCC Commissioner Michael Copps
Panelists: Roger Grossman, Publisher, Marin Independent Journal; Kim Spencer, President, Worldlink TV; Orville Schell, Dean, Graduate School of Journalism, UC Berkeley; Peter Phillips, Ph.D., Project Censored, Sonoma State University; John Burgess, General Manager, KFTY Channel 50, Nancy Dobbs, President and CEO of KRCB.
The general public and local journalism students.

Over the past decade, Americans have witnessed an explosion in the number of media outlets. But this increase in television, radio and cable stations, and the proliferation of the internet, has been countered by federal regulations that have allowed many of these media outlets to be owned by a few. A proposed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruling this June, could allow further media concentration resulting in an increased ability for large conglomerates to own multiple broadcast outlets and newspapers in local markets.

Proponents of the new ruling argue that consolidation allows media to operate more profitably and ensure continued service in all communities. Others fear that the result would be a reduction in news and public affairs offerings, the undermining of localism and diversity, and the homogenization of music and entertainment.

“The changes that the FCC seeks will have a drastic impact on the independence, accuracy and diversity of national and local media and could severely limit an individual's access to multiple sources of information,” said Rep. Lynn Woolsey.