Sanders: Next FCC Chair Must Promote a More Democratic Media System

Sanders: Next FCC Chair Must Promote a More Democratic Media System
1/24/2005

Washington, D.C. - Responding to FCC Chairman Michael Powell's resignation on Friday, Congressman Sanders called on President Bush to appoint a new chairperson who "will work to defend the public interest and promote a more democratic media system."

In a letter to President Bush, also signed by Congressman Hinchey (N.Y.) and Congresswoman Watson (D-CA), Congressman Sanders said that "under Chairman Powell's direction, the FCC has attempted to drastically deregulate media ownership rules that would have led to unprecedented levels of media consolidation," and that the Commission "has abandoned public interest standards for television and radio broadcasters."

The full text of the letter to President Bush follows:

Dear Mr. President:

We have learned that Michael Powell has announced his intention to resign as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). As you consider Mr. Powell's replacement, we believe it is critical that the administration initiate a comprehensive review of the role and mandate of the FCC in light of profound changes in the industry due to advances in broadcast technology and, in particular, the precipitous decline of localism, diversity, and competition in the media.

Under Chairman Powell's direction, the FCC has attempted to drastically deregulate media ownership rules that would have led to unprecedented levels of media consolidation. It has abandoned public interest standards for television and radio broadcasters in favor of arbitrary fines, and it has allowed media conglomerates to dominate the deployment of internet and cable television to the detriment of consumer choices.

As a result, the media market today is more homogenous than ever before, with five giant companies controlling approximately 75 percent share of broadcast and cable prime-time viewing. Politically biased news and commentary have become the norm on several radio, television, and cable outlets. Minority ownership of broadcasting stations has drastically declined due to consolidation, and Latino and African American audiences are constantly ignored in programming decisions. Program contents are less creative as writers and producers become dependent on the whims of corporate executives who focus only on the bottom line. Independent music artists have all but disappeared from radio airwaves as corporate owners focus on inexpensive, nation-wide playlists. Independent programmers find it increasingly difficult to place their programs due to cable companies' financial incentive to carry their own channels.

At the same time, the consolidated media market has generated television and radio shows aimed to appeal to the lowest common denominator for the sake of viewer-ship, while broadcasters have blatantly ignored their ethical duties in serving the public. On one hand, indecent programming is prevalent on our airwaves today, leading to unprecedented levels of complaints received by the FCC. Unfortunately, rather than addressing the underlying causes of a "dumb-down" media culture, Mr. Powell's preference to impose arbitrary fines has only exacerbated the problem by creating an atmosphere of uncertainty in programming choices, even censorship. On the other hand, consolidation has created an atmosphere of ethical "laissez-faire" by the broadcasters, leading to illegal payola by broadcast stations such as the Department of Education's undisclosed payment to journalist Armstrong Williams in exchange for the promotion of the No Child Left Behind Act.

The administration's record on media policy under the Chairmanship of Mr. Powell has been misguided, if not disastrous. It must not make the same mistakes again.

Looking forward, we encourage you to appoint a new FCC chairperson who will understand the damaging impact media conglomeration has had on the free exchange of ideas so fundamental to our democracy. This includes putting broadcasters' public interest obligations ahead of any profit-driven efforts at deregulation, respecting and promoting independent programming and consumer choices in television, radio, and internet access, and encouraging more diversity in ownership and content. The Supreme Court has long declared that "the widest possible dissemination of information from diverse and antagonistic sources is essential to the welfare of the public, that a free press is a condition of a free society." It is our hope that your choice for the next FCC Chairman will work to restore and uphold such principles of a free press.

Thank you for your timely consideration. We look forward to your response

http://bernie.house.gov/documents/releases/20050124183132.asp