U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement today at a Commerce Committee hearing on Localism, Diversity, and Media Ownership:

“The media is a tremendous force. It can inform, educate, and entertain, as well as nourish our democratic dialogue. Yet is also has less savory powers. In recent years, we have seen an increase in coarse and violent programming, but a decrease in local news and hard-hitting journalism. As our media grows more concentrated, we see less and less of the diversity of our nation. When programming is the same from coast to coast, we risk having our airwaves no longer reflect the rich mosaic of our country and our citizens.

“Given this context, I am very troubled by efforts at the FCC to allow greater consolidation of our media. As we know from recent history, this is an area that requires tremendous caution. Four years ago, the FCC substantially relaxed the rules that govern media ownership in this country. Millions of Americans contacted the FCC to complain. The United States Senate voted to support a ‘resolution of disapproval’ in response to the FCC decision. Next, the courts got involved, and the Third Circuit shipped the agency’s handiwork right back to the FCC.

“So we are back at square one. The FCC is poised to review its media ownership rules yet again, and may take some action before the end of this year. So let me caution the agency now: rather than rushing to judgment on new rules, regardless of whether they are a broad set of new rules or modest changes, the FCC should focus on completing pending proceedings on localism and public interest obligations that have long languished for lack of attention. If rule changes are required, the American people deserve to be informed and provided a reasonable period of time for meaningful comment and discussion. I recently discussed these matters with Chairman Martin, and stressed my belief that rushing forward before the end of the year would be a serious mistake.

“Against this backdrop, we hold today’s hearing. It provides us with an opportunity to hear from our witnesses on the state of media ownership, localism, and diversity. I look forward to their testimony on this important topic.”

###

« Previous Press Release

Press Releases

Next Press Release »

September 2008 Press Releases

« August | October »

« 2007 | 2009 »

18th -

Senator Hutchison Calls for Improved Bus Safety Standards

18th -

Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for DTV Transition Hearing

18th -

Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for U.S.-Korea Automobile Trade Imbalance Hearing

17th -

Commerce Committee to Examine Consumer Privacy Issues Related to Broadband Service Providers

16th -

Senator Hutchison Commends Dept. of Commerce for Helping Nursing Homes with DTV Converter Box Program

16th -

Inouye Calls for Immediate Passage of S.1492, the Broadband Data Improvement Act

16th -

Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Bus Safety Hearing

12th -

Commerce Committee to Hear Testimony from Corporation for Public Broadcasting Nominees

12th -

Commerce Committee to Review Progress of DTV Transition with FCC, NTIA

12th -

Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Hearing on Consumer Benefits of Broadband

11th -

Commerce Committee Releases MARAD Bill Financial Disclosure Certification

11th -

Commerce Committee Cancels Hearing to Examine Marine Protected Areas

10th -

Senator Hutchison Cosponsors Calling Card Legislation to Help Consumers

9th -

Commerce Committee to Hold Hearing on Consumer Benefits of Broadband

8th -

Commerce Committee to Examine Marine Protected Areas

8th -

Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Prepaid Calling Card Hearing

Public Information Office: 508 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg • Washington, DC 20510-6125
Tel: 202-224-5115
Hearing Room: 253 Russell Senate Office Bldg • Washington, DC 20510-6125
| | | | |