This rant is from a comment I added to the caucus watch blog in response to someone saying this place is too much against and not enough for.

I challenge everyone to help protect what's left of free press!!!

Here is one example of something that needs everyone's attention and letters to Congress ASAP:

FCC votes to allow big-city broadcasters to own newspapers

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/news.aspx?id=19467

Here is a Google search with more hits on the topic if you want/need more info - it's critical that we all contact our representatives and tell them this is a bad idea!

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=fcc+votes+to+allow+newspapers

JANUARY 17, 2008 UPDATE: Responses from my senator (Obama) and US rep (Bean). I give both of them kudos for responding, which is more than Sen Durbin ever does, but I don't see where either Sen Obama or Rep. Bean are going to take any action on this issue. (The email from Obama came with the symbols, don't know where the problem originated - could have been my Yahoo account.) So, I give them both an "A" for response but "F" for inaction. :(

Oh, and here is an update on S. 2332 that Obama mentions in his letter: shttp://www.freepress.net/congress/billinfo.php?id=198

___________________________________________________________________

From Sen. Obama - received tonight at 6:30pm CST:

Dear Pamela:

Thank you for your letter regarding media ownership. I agree with you that we must ensure a diversity of viewpoints in the broadcasting industry.Â

Our nation’s media was built on the strength of independent voices. It concerns me that as media conglomerates grow, these voices are increasingly stifled by the bottom line of large companies and cookie-cutter broadcast formats. For this reason, on October 22, 2007, I wrote a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin J. Martin, calling on him to launch an independent review panel to develop proposals to further promote media ownership diversity. You can view this letter at http://obama.senate.gov/files/fccmartin.pdf.

In 2003, the FCC approved new rules that would have accelerated the consolidation of large media outlets. The rules would have allowed one company to own up to three television stations, the cable system, the local newspaper, and eight radio stations in a single media market. The FCC approved these rules by a vote of 3 to 2 in a process that was criticized for a lack of public involvement (the FCC held only one hearing on this issue).Â

As a result of a groundswell of bipartisan opposition to these changes, the Senate passed a resolution to roll back the new rules by a bipartisan vote of 55 to 40. In 2004 a federal court threw out the rules and required the FCC to begin the process of creating new media ownership rules.

Following an insufficient review, in December, 2007, the FCC adopted new ownership rules which promote greater media market consolidation. This allows large media outlets to become larger, potentially cutting out small business, women and minority-owned firms. Minority owned and operated newspapers and radio stations play an important role in the African American and Latino communities and help bring minority issues to the forefront of our national dialogue. However, the FCC has failed to recognize the vital role these outlets play in our democracy and has not done enough to further the goals of diversity in the media.

I am proud to be an original cosponsor of S. 2332, the Media Ownership Act. This legislation promotes transparency in the adoption of new media ownership rules by the FCC, and establishes an independent panel to make recommendations on how to increase the representation of women and minorities in broadcast media ownership. I will urge my colleagues to push forward legislation that ensures any changes will be evaluated and modified in a transparent and inclusive process, and fully takes into account the interests of our women and minority-owned outlets, and communities.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I hope you will stay in touch.Â

Sincerely,

Barack Obama
United States Senator

P.S. Our system does not allow direct response to this email. However, if you would like to contact me again, please use the form on the website: http://obama.senate.gov/contact/

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From Rep Bean - received yesterday at 11:43am:

Dear Ms. Nelson,

Thank you for contacting me about media consolidation. I am honored to represent you, and I appreciate your active participation in our legislative process. Your involvement makes democracy work better by helping me more effectively represent you and Illinois ' Eighth District.

As you know, the federal government has a responsibility to oversee interstate commerce. When two companies announce a merger, I believe it is imperative that the proposed merger be thoroughly examined to ensure that American consumers receive a better product while still maintaining healthy competition in the market.

The same holds true for mergers in the media industry. Please know that I will continue to monitor all mergers in the media industry. In addition, if legislation regarding a particular merger comes before the House of Representatives for a vote, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind.

Thank you again for contacting me about this important issue. I am proud to serve Illinois ' Eighth District, and I am committed to working hard for you. Please do not hesitate to write, call, or email if I can ever help you in any way.

Sincerely,

Melissa L. Bean

Member of Congress

P.S. To stay informed on this and other important topics, visit my website at www.house.gov/bean to subscribe to e-news updates.