American Civil Liberties Union

On June 2, the Federal Communications Commission issued a rule change that relaxes media ownership regulations and permits greater corporate concentration and cross-ownership of the mass media.  The new rules permit huge media conglomerates to own most or all of the media outlets in any given market. 

Allowing greater concentration and cross-ownership of media will have a profound impact on Americans' access to a wide range of news, information, programming and political commentary.  To have a healthy democratic dialogue and participation on major issues, it is important that we have access to a diversity of opinions and information, not a handful of options.  The new rules could seriously affect vigorous public debate and the marketplace of ideas.

Senator Byron Dorgan (D - ND) has introduced S.J. Res. 17, a resolution that would overturn the rules and restore them to pre-June 2 levels. This very important resolution passed a vote in the Senate on September 16, 2003.  It has now moved to the House.

Take Action!  Urge your Representative to vote in favor of S.J. Res. 17!
 
 Diversity of opinion is critical to a strong, healthy democracy.
To stay democratic and free, we need to ensure diversity of opinion and the free exchange of ideas. The mass media is already becoming highly concentrated, leading to less diversity of opinion and ownership. Allowing greater concentration will only further weaken the "marketplace of ideas," leading to less diversity of opinion and ownership.

 Keeping the new regulations will hinder freedom of speech.
By allowing large corporations to dominate the market, the regulations would create substantial obstacles to new voices and opinions. 

 Media consolidation will hinder minority voices.
Consolidation of the media hinders the ability of minorities -- such as Hispanics and African-Americans -- to participate in the public dialogue.