Future of Music Coalition, Newspaper Guild-Communications Workers of America and Consumers Union Urge FCC to Take Employment Effects of Their Policies into Account During Upcoming Review of Media Ownership Rules.

The Republican majority at the FCC made a cynical and short-sighted decision to push forward with their campaign to reduce and eliminate time-honored rules and safeguards which have defended citizen’s access to diverse, competitive and local media. In doing so they blatantly ignored the will of public and warnings from industry leaders, congressional representatives, city councils, consumer advocates, academics, creators and community groups. These rules were originally enacted to prevent the growth of media monopolies and ensure a diversity of voices. In their absence we anticipate a period of unprecedented consolidation and a swift transformation of our existing media to one that is less representative, less responsive, less diverse, and less competitive. The negative impact of these changes on culture, civic participation and democracy cannot be understated. read more