November 8th, 2007
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.”
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